Francisco Lee Rodriguez, Sr. "Lee Rod"

Francisco Lee Rodriguez "Lee Rod" passed away January 15th, 2026. Lee was born in Dearborn, MI on January 8th 1970 to Fernando and Patricia (Sprague) Rodriguez. He lived in Detroit, Michigan until the age 5. He grew up in Independence, MO and graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1988. He attended college and played baseball at Crowder College, Taft College, and University of Missouri.

In his early years, Lee was a dedicated athlete that excelled in very sport he played. He earned countless awards and was often featured in the news, on TV and newspapers throughout his high school career for football and baseball he continued his baseball career into college. Throughout his life he continued his work ethic into every job he had and he wasn't satisfied until he became everyone's boss. He continued to be a major sports enthusiast, his favorite team was the Saints and his most recent favorite athlete was Caitlyn Clark. He had crazy sense of humor and if you knew him you knew his favorite movie was Dumb and Dumber. He loved being around people just not the center of attention.

He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Lee was a one of a kind. He was always helping people however he could. He will be greatly missed.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister Teresa. He is survived by his children Nena Rodriguez and Francisco Jr. (Jordan) Rodriguez, his grandchildren Liliana Marie, Lola Louise, his siblings Nando (Shannon) Rodriguez, Bryan Rodriguez and Tricia (Ron) Bulen, nephews and nieces, Aaron, Josh, Jake and Frannie Rodriguez, Gabby Bulen.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 2 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Dr. Pikls Lounge, 16606 E. US HWY 24, Independence, Missouri  64056.

A poem in remembrance of Lee:

I now understand there 

isn't any single answer.

We must all walk our own path,

and find our own truth.

But I figure,

if I go my way,

and you go yours,

we'll all wind up 

in the same place in the end.