Retired Dimmit County Judge, Rodrigo "Rod" Guerra passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Buda, Texas on September 7, 2024.

Judge Guerra spent his life in the service of his community making it a priority in all he did. Part of a prominent Carrizo Springs family, Rodrigo learned the importance of community service from his father Martin. Martin Guerra was a leader in the Hispanic community and was always there to help families in need.

Following in his father's footsteps, Rodrigo began his service to the community after graduating from Draughn's Business College in San Antonio, Texas. "Rod" came back to Carrizo Springs and worked in accounting at La Mantilla Company as well as serving as a member of the Community Action Program of Dimmit County. Judge Guerra did not stop there. During his years of dedicated service, he worked with the H.E.P. Educational Program and served on the Board of Trustees of the Carrizo Springs Consolidated I.S.D.

Other areas of county and community service included: Commissioner of the City of Carrizo Springs Housing Authority, member of the Carrizo Springs Community Education Advisory, and he served as President of the Carrizo Springs Evening Lions Club.

Judge Guerra served in the Armed Forces and was honorably discharged. He was a member of the American Legion, Villarreal Post No. 367 in Asherton.

While serving as the first Hispanic member of the Carrizo Springs CISD, Rodrigo was elected to the position of Dimmit County Clerk. As a member of the Texas Association of County and District Clerks, he was elected to the Texas County Clerk's Legislative Committee in 1978.

In November 1982, Rodrigo ran for and was elected Dimmit County Judge. This was another first as no other Hispanic candidate had ever been elected to this prestigious position in Dimmit County. Judge Guerra held this position until he retired in 1994.

Judge Guerra's willingness to serve with honesty and integrity is his lasting legacy to the citizens of Dimmit County.

Judge Guerra is preceded in death by his father Martin Guerra, his mother Ambrosia L. Guerra, step-mother Zeferina V. Guerra, and a brother Martin L. Guerra, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lupe Castaneda Guerra and their six children: Raynaldo (Nellie), Victor (Sylvia), Jose, Connie (Baldemar) Boone,  Rolando (Melissa), and Rita Monica Ortiz.

He is also survived by his siblings: Luis of Ohio, Anita of Kansas, Cruz and Alicia of Kerrville, Texas, Teresa, San Juana, and Gilbert of Carrizo Springs, and The Rev. Fr. Richard Guerra, O.M.I. of San Antonio, Texas.

Judge Guerra leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren.

You are invited to join the family for a vigil of prayer and memory on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 5 pm to 9 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm at Leonard Funeral Home, 707 W. Houston St., Carrizo Springs, TX.

A eulogy and sacred funeral mass by Reverend Fr. Ricardo Guerra, O.M.I., will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Carrizo Springs, TX.

Interment of ashes will be on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 2 pm at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery/Shelter #2, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78029.

Funeral arrangements are by Leonard Funeral Home, 707 W. Houston St., Carrizo Springs, Texas 78834, (830).876.2119. You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories and sign the guestbook online at www.leonardfunerals.com.