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Paul Rodriguez Jr. passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, under the watchful presence of his beloved Heart Mountain. Known lovingly as “The Boss” by his family, Paul built a legacy of faith, family, service and hard work that will endure for generations.
Born on Nov. 1, 1932, in Powell, Wyoming, to Paul Sr. and Antonia Rodriguez. Paul was the second of six children. He graduated from Powell High School in 1951 and proudly served his country during the Korean War after being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952.
On June 7, 1956, Paul married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Haworth. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage and were blessed with four children: Jerry (Susie), Ricardo (Cindy), Linda (Steve) Sweet and Rodney (Patty).
After returning home from military service, Paul devoted his life to farming on Heart Mountain. Through determination and perseverance, he grew a successful farming operation, earning the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1960 along with numerous others. He became one of Wyoming’s leading sugar beet producers, established Rodriguez Trucking Company with his son Rodney, raised cattle, and served as president of the Big Horn Basin Beet Growers Association and director of the American Sugar Beet Growers Association, where he advocated for farmers nationwide.
Paul also served his community through the Northwest College Foundation, Farm Service Agency, American National Bank Board, Knights of Columbus, Cody Lions Club, Eagles, Elks, American Legion and the VFW. He was passionate about the Korean War Veterans Association, and with his son Jerry, built the Wyoming Korean War Memorial in Cody.
Although he officially retired in 2002, farming remained his passion. He spent the next 25 years working alongside his son Ric and grandson Marc, rarely missing a sunrise in the fields.
Outside of the farm, they spent much time making memories with family and friends at their cabin in Squaw Creek. They also fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when they first began spending winters there in 1972. They quickly found themselves drawn to the beautiful beaches of Nuevo Vallarta, eventually purchasing a condo of their own, creating a home away from home. For decades, they spent every winter enjoying the sunshine, the ocean, and a close-knit community of friends who became like family. The Cabin and Puerto Vallarta held special places in their hearts and became the settings for countless cherished memories together.
Paul is survived by his wife and children, eight grandchildren: Dan (Angie) Call, Catherine Calvin, Tyleen (Josh) Degele, Mandy (Sam) Armstrong, Nicole (JK) Brown, Chrissy (Jason) Lennon, Marc Rodriguez and Kaiya Rodriguez; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; sisters Virginia (Jim) Damori, Patricia (Reggie) Roorda and brother Roger Rodriguez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Esther, and his brother Jimmy Jo.
Services will be held at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell. A rosary will be held on July 8 from 6-7 p.m. with a Funeral Mass the following morning, July 9 starting at 9 a.m. Burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Legion.
