Jose “Benny Rodriguez” Lopez, 88, of Galesburg, died at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, October 31, 2019, at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville. Jose was born on January 1, 1931, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, the son of Leobardo and Matiana (Mirales) Lopez. He moved to the United States when he was 13. He married Julia Martinez. Together they had seven children. They later divorced. He is survived by three sons, Lupe (Sheryl) Rodriguez, Steven Rodriguez, and Victor (Gloria) Rodriguez all of Galesburg; four daughters, Lourdes (Larry) Fones of Knoxville, Ophelia (John) Sharp, Anita Clarke, and Ventura (David) Stinson all of Galesburg. He is also survived by numerous siblings; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He worked for many years in construction, working for Laborers Local 538. He was known by many in the Galesburg community as “the Bicycle Dr.” In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and riding his bike around town. Benny loved attending the parades in Galesburg, roller skating, sitting on his porch, and drinking his cervezas. He was a proud family man and loved his grandchildren deeply. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling a good joke. He enjoyed attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2019, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
