Steve A. Rodriguez passed peacefully to be with the Lord surrounded by his wife and children. He was the son of Shafter pioneer family, Juan (Big John) Rodriguez and Margarita Escalante, one of the founding families of "La Colonia" (Mexican Colony). Steve was a labor contractor and life-long farmer who was employed by Sill Properties for 30 years (1972-2002) until he retired. He graduated from Shafter High School and received the FFA State Farmer Award in 1948. He was inducted into the Shafter Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 for his athletic talents as an "All Kern County" baseball and football player who was known as the "fierce competitor". He married June Elaine Dooley in 1949. They raised 6 children in the Shafter-Maple farming community. Steve is survived by his wife of 69 years, June Rodriguez, 6 children: Raymond (Marilyn), Terry (Ken), Steve (Kandis), Barbara (Mike), Betty (Rick) and Mike (Deanna), 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 2 brothers: Gavino (Rod) Rodriguez, Henry Rodriguez, and numerous nieces and nephews. Steve was hard-working, devoted in faith and family, and generous at heart. He will be greatly missed! We thank the Brookdale Bakersfield Senior Living staff and Optimal Hospice for their care and love. Viewing at Peters Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Hwy., Shafter, 4:30-7:30. Mass at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 300 W. Lerdo Hwy., Shafter, 9:30-10:30; graveside following at Shafter Memorial Park, 18662 Santa Fe Way.