Gilbert Rodriguez, 59, of Big Spring, died on Sunday, September 20, 2009, in a Lubbock hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Father Ariel Lagunilla, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.A rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Gilbert was born on September 3, 1950, in Big Spring, Texas to Gus and Lila Rodriguez. He grew up in Big Spring and graduated from Big Spring High School in 1969. He worked as an auto mechanic most of his life and was an avid sports enthusiast. Gilbert had played for the Big Spring Cardinals Semi-pro Baseball Team.He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and also a member of the Chicano Golf Association.Survivors include one son, Gilbert Rodriguez, Jr. of Big Spring; two daughters, Anna Gutierrez of Irving and Marisela Rodriguez of Big Spring; two brothers, Manuel Rodriguez of Big Spring and Bob Montanez of Odessa.He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Anna Maria Rodriguez.The family suggests memorials be made to the Chicano Golf Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 362, Big Spring, Texas 79721. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,