Ramon L. Rodriguez, Jr.
Ramon L Rodriguez, Jr. (62) passed away on Good Friday April 10, 2020, with his wife, Leslie, and son, Gabriel, at his side.
Ramon was born in 1957 to Ramon L Rodriguez, Sr. and Sara Lopez Rodriguez in Brownsville, Texas. He was an only child, yet he joined a very large and loving family. Ramon had a happy childhood adventuring about the Valley with his cousins and friends. His parents worked for the Brownsville Independent School District and Ramon would graduate from Hanna High School, where he excelled and participated in football, choir, and school plays. He attended Texas Southmost College in Brownsville until, as one of the first Truman Scholars for Texas, he matriculated to the University of Texas at Austin. He earned a degree in journalism before enrolling in the UT law school where he would meet Leslie Saia, his future wife of over 35 years and the love of his life.
Soon after beginning his professional career as an attorney, Ramon followed Leslie to her hometown of Beaumont, Texas, where he would become a fixture in the community. They married in 1984 and their family became whole in 1987 when Gabriel was born. Ramon devoted over 30 years to Jefferson County as an assistant district attorney. He was honored to serve in the administrations of James McGrath, Tom Maness, and Bob Wortham. Ramon dedicated his life to seeking justice and truly loved his job. He was particularly proud to serve as mentor to many young lawyers who proceeded on to important careers as trial lawyers and judges throughout the state of Texas. His service to the Bar included a term as President of the Jefferson County Bar Association. Ramon was Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Ramon was also active in service to his community. He was a parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church. He was a board member and served a term as president for both Habitat for Humanity and the Beaumont Community Players. He felt great passion for theater, and he made many dear friends through his years in the BCP. He also had a passion for knowledge which was plain to see for anyone who watched him dominate Jeopardy! His taste in music was eclectic as he appreciated rock n’ roll shows with his son and the symphony with his wife, not to mention the funk from his youth. Ramon was a lifelong Cowboys fan, a tradition started by his father and passed on to his own son.
Along with his wife and son, Ramon is survived by his father-in-law, Joseph Saia; sister-in-law, Linda and her husband, Steve Woosley; aunts, Refugia Arias (Alfredo), Sylvia Connor (Jim), Dahlia Earl (Vincent), Mary Garcia (Joel), Delia Hernandez (Martin), Patsy Rangel (Juan); and uncle, Armando Lopez (Virginia), and many loving cousins and their descendants. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his mother-in-law, Joyce Saia; uncle, Carlos Lopez; and aunts, Ismena Barrientos, Librada De la Rosa, and Evanjelina Martinez.
Ramon leaves behind a legacy that fills his family with pride. He touched many lives and treated his ability to do so as a responsibility. Whether friend or foe, acquaintance or stranger, he treated others with respect and kindness. He did his best to give back and put goodness into the world. He was truly wise, curious, and insightful. Of course, he was a dedicated husband, father, and son. Most of all, the most important aspect of his life was always love. Every good thing he would say or do came from a place of love. The day his heart stopped, he had simply given all the love he had to give.
His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Out of respect for the current situation affecting families across the world, gathering in celebration of Ramon’s life will be delayed. The family will communicate details later, but the expectation is to celebrate him in both communities he called home.
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Comments
Coni O'Brien-Little
I just saw him at the grocery store a few weeks ago. I still remember meeting you tow at the BPM club. He was very happy. I will truly miss him. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you are ascending.
Dionne & Billy Fontenot
Billy and I were so saddened to hear of Ramon's passing. He was such a kind and funny neighbor. I always enjoyed visiting with him, sometimes even in the middle of the street. Our condolences to the family.
Dan Wallach
Ramon fought hard for justice as a prosecutor for Jefferson County. He cared about his advocacy for crime victims. For him it was never "paint by the numbers" in preparing his cases for trial. He wanted to make sure he could deliver justice and help make us safer. Ramon was a very, very good person.
Michael Truncale
Ramon was a true gentleman who cared deeply for the community in which he lived. I had the pleasure of serving on a jury during one of his trials. He exhibited dynamic trial skills. I also had the pleasure of working with in on various bar related projects. He was a lawyer who saw the greater vision for his role in society. He will be missed greatly.
Monica Gonzalez
So sorry to hear about Ramon's passing. I have fond memories of our childhood, To me, he will always be "Roddy" May God rest his soul. My condolences to Leslie and Gabe.
Tom Hanna
Too soon; too young. We can only weep with his family and wait for the laughter to return. And it will because Ramon would have it no other way. I came to know him after our return to Jefferson County. He was an ADA and I was on the other side of the docket. We became friendly adversaries and then just friends. I will miss our chats--about lots of topics. The depth of his thought and perception of the issues of the day accompanied by that wonderful laugh. And always ended with, "Take care, my friend." Vaya con Diios, mi amigo.
Kathleen (Kathy) Valka
Having worked as an adult probation officer for Jefferson County, I had opportunities to see Ramon in the courtroom. I enjoyed seeing him as prosecutor during a trial, because I knew the defendant didn't stand a chance. Ramon was always kind, and I was sad to hear he had passed away.
Emily Rhine
I worked with my good friend Ramon for around 20 years in the DA’s Office. He was an honorable, caring, and intelligent man and I will miss him.
Danny and Dianna Clayton
Danny and I are so very sorry for your loss.We so enjoyed visiting with each of you .He truly will be missed.All our prayers to you and your family.
Dan Gresham
My connection with Ramon goes back decades. As young men we both came to Southeast Texas looking to start our careers, our paths crossed early and often thru the years. I will miss his quick wit, helpful legal insight, and catching up with the family. Ramon leaves a legacy his family can be proud of and a void in the community that will be impossible to fill.
Joey Singleton
I was a BPD officer and knew Ramon from the DA's office. Whenever he saw you, he always had a smile on his face for you.
Candy Mathis Hollis
Such a delightful and honorable man. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Chief Deputy Kirk Rice
On behalf of the Groves Police Department, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the Rodriguez family. Those who worked close with Ramon can testify to his honesty, sincerity and professionalism. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
RICHARD TAMAYO AND FAMILY
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.WE PRAY FOR YOUR HEAVY HEART.WE KNOW HE IS WITH THE LORD NOW.
Ann Manes
Dear Ramon! A paragon of life and justice, gone home. You are missed.
linda a sachitano
Our prayers for the family. Jim and Linda
Rev William Manger
I just discovered this very nice obituary. I did not know of his death and will be praying for Ramon and the family. If arrangements need to be made for a graveside service at the present or a memorial Mass when conditions change we will be happy to accommodate the family. Father Manger
Rev. Stephen Mayfield
I met big brother from another mother that's what we would always call each other whenever we would see.each other. We were like brothers he loved me and I loved him like a brother. Our first meeting was when we both were teammates in Leadership Beaumont unknown to both of us we had another teammate by the name of Beverly Hickman and she was a director in the Beaumont Community Players. We were teammates in leadership Beaumont that's how we first got to know each other and became friends then later down the road Beverly called on us again. Beaumont Community Players as jurors in the stage play 12 Angry Men. Ramon and I had so much fun in that play that we always kept in touch. To the family I will definitely and truly miss my big brother just to make you smile whenever I would come to the DA's office to see him and he wouldn't be in at the time I just leave the message with the secretary to tell him that his little brother came by, the look on the secretary's face was priceless! But when she would leave the message he automatically knew who it was and he would always call me back. Big Brother peace be unto your ashes may your soul rest in the The Pavilion of the most high God good night big brother I'll see you in that great gettin up morning....
christine draths
Ramon was a dear and wonderful man. Gabe was on my son's soccer team for years. I spent many wonderful Saturdays visiting with Ramon, a gentle man of wisdom. Forever in my prayers and in my heart. Know that his life touched many, Chris Draths
Ruthie Burrus
Ramon's son Gabe was a classmate and good friend of our son Charles, and we have so many wonderful memories of Ramon and his family. Such a good man...he will be missed. Sending sincere prayers and condolences to Leslie and Gabe.
Leon,Lauren and Lucas Shelton
We met Ramon at the Punkin Patch Daycare on West Lucas. His son Gabe and Lucas were in the same class(2’s). Come to find out we both lived on the same street! Our boys became buddies. We lost touch after boys went to school. Then a couple of years later our boys were taking Taekwondo. Ramon and Leon started too. Leslie and I would watch our guys. We went to several meets together. Then when Lucas was confirmed, he chose Mama Rodriguez for his sponsor. We had many fun times with Ramon and Leslie, and Gabe. He will be missed by all.
June Sweeney-Canaski
RIP. my cousin. You were loved by many and will be missed by all.
Petula Whitfield
Harold , Christopher & I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rodriguez through taekwondo. Our two families worked out together and 2/3 of us made it to black belts . My favorites memory is the time Mr. Rodriguez would break cinder blocks with his hammer fist. He had done this several times. This one time that block would not break. Turned out Mr . Murphy had purchase hurricane grade cinder blocks by mistake. It was a fun time and we all laughed . He will be missed .