Tiburcio (Butch) Rodriguez Rendon, Jr.
His life and legacy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m.
Affectionately named after his father, Tiburcio Rodriguez Rendon Jr. was the fifth of eight children and known by many names. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on October 9th, 1945, to Benita Olguin Rendon and Tiburcio Rodriguez Rendon, but spent most of his childhood in Boerne, TX.
Tiburcio grew into a compassionate, disciplined, and deeply faithful man who was most commonly known by his nickname “Junior” to his family and friends. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Air Force and served a tour in Korat RTAFB, Thailand in support of the Vietnam War. When he returned, he married the love of his life, whom he had known and loved since the sixth grade, Helena Rendon on November 4th, 1967. While serving in the military he gained a new nickname “Butch”, yet Helena called him “Butchess”, adoringly. Helena and her Butchess traveled the world together over the next 30 years of his service, living in Panama, Italy and Japan, and all over the United States. They started a beautiful family together, and Butchess became “Pops” to Cheryl, Robert, and Craig Rendon.
During this time, Butch also managed to obtain his bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX in 1973 and shortly after became a commissioned officer. He obtained his master's from Auburn University, in 1986. Butch retired in 1994, as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) in San Antonio, TX. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars and multiple additional service and achievement awards.
In his retirement, Butch continued his lifelong devotion to serving God and helping others through his abundant work with Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He became a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council #15240 and selflessly volunteered with Mobile Loaves and Fishes in support of the less fortunate in his community. Now known as “Grandpa”, Butch also spent a great deal of time as a doting grandfather, traveling to and from various states in support of their sport activities, academics or spiritual growth. In his final years, Butch bravely battled prostate cancer and interstitial lung disease. He drew strength from his incredible faith and his loving family, both of which enveloped him as he passed peacefully in his home.
Butch is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Paul, whom we know are resting with him now in God’s eternal love. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helena; his children and son-in law, Cheryl Carroll, Joseph Carroll, Robert Rendon, and Craig Rendon; his grandchildren, Emilie, Sarah, and Kyle Carroll; his brothers, Henry and Manuel Rendon; his sisters, Pauline Duffy, Maryanne (Ed) Baldwin, Elia (Chuck) Ramirez, Veronica (Tim) Eker, Loretta (Greg) Phillips; his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; his friends; and everyone else who was blessed enough to have known and loved him.
Please join us in honoring Butch’s extraordinary life and memory. The Visitation and Vigil will be held at 6:00pm on January 29th, 2025 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be held at 11:30am on January 30th, 2025, at the same church, followed by a reception in Heneke Hall. The burial service will be performed at the Boerne Cemetery at 3pm following the reception. In his memory, please consider donating to Mobile Loaves and Fishes at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at SFAMLF.org.