Frank S. Rodriguez, age 75, died Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, Kansas. He was born July 4, 1939 in Coleman, Texas, to Manuel and Dolores (Silos) Rodriguez. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Cecil, Jesse, and Manuel, and sisters: Beatrice Hernandez and Minnie Rodriguez.

Frank moved to the Hoxie area when he came here to work for John Hill in the early 1970's. He was also employed by Carl's Sign Shop (Carl Burkle) and Cooper Grain Elevator in Hoxie.

Frank met Lynette Irwin at a dance that Jerome Heim had when he moved to his new building on Main Street. Frank and Lynette were married on June 5, 1971 in Oberlin. He went to work for his in-laws, Alton and Janet Knox, at the Knox Market. Frank hauled produce (apples, oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, potatoes, etc.) from several states for the market. He brought in salt from the salt mines in Lyons and Hutchinson, Kansas, and delivered it to the surrounding elevators and feed stores. Frank was also the mechanic that kept all the old trucks rolling down the highway. He worked for the Knox Market and Hoxie Salvage until Alton's death in 1984.

After that Frank worked for Brown & Brown Construction. When his health would no longer allow him to do construction work, Frank became a Certified Nurse Aide. He worked at Lantern Park Manor in Colby, Kansas, and later at Burleson Nursing Home in Burleson, Texas, during the time that Lynette attended Bible College there.

Frank and Lynette have three daughters: (Lea) Dawn Elliott, married to Brian Elliott (from Umatilla, Oregon), of Hoxie; Amanda Morales, married to Mario Morales (from Ellinwood), of Manhattan, and their youngest daughter, Jaizy Rodriguez of Hoxie, who lives with her parents and provided in-home care for her father for the past six years. Frank and Lynette have four grandchildren: Malachi Elliott, Leilani and Kai Morales, and Frankie Jewel Rodriguez.

Frank enjoyed music, playing his guitar, fixing up old cars, shooting pool and watching heavyweight boxing. He also liked drinking beer under a shade tree, smoking cigarettes, and having a good time with friends.

Frank loved his family. He was an honest, gentle, and loving man. However, as some may remember, he was known for keeping Sheriff Millard Johnson on his toes because he also enjoyed a good fight once in a while. Over the years, Hoxie and Frank seemed to work out their differences. Frank came to town as the first Mexican that called Hoxie his home. He loved living in Hoxie, and he had many friends.

The public is invited to a celebration of Frank's life on Friday, August 29, 2014 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Midwest Energy Community Room in Hoxie. Memorials may be sent to the Frank Rodriguez Memorial Fund, Lynette Rodriguez, P.O. Box 813, Hoxie, KS 67740.

Cremation was chosen. Private inurnment with family is planned at the Studley Cemetery. Arrangements by Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, Box 221, Oakley 67748.

Condolences: www.kennedykosterfh.com