Viewing for Esai will be held 4-8 PM Friday, October 11, 2024 at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary located at 6934 S Western Ave, OKC, OK 73139.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Esai's life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the South Lakes Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 4000 S.W. 119th Street, OKC, OK 73173.

Esai Manuel Rodriguez

November 10, 2010 ~ October 7, 2024

Esai Manuel Rodriguez joined Heaven's angels on Monday, October 7, 2024 with his loving family surrounded by him. He was 13 years old. Esai bravely and courageously battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia for the past year during his short time on earth. The son of Elizabeth Cano, Esai blessed this earth and the lives of his family on November 10, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Esai grew up attending Western Heights Schools where he thrived and excelled in education. An excellent student and always eager to learn, Esai entered the gifted and talented level programs and dedicated his time wisely pursuing knowledge genuinely. He achieved many hard earned accomplishments throughout the years and was so proud when he was selected to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the Junior National Honor Society Young Leaders Conference. He had a very happy, jovial and outgoing personality which helped him make friends easily. Bringing joy and sharing it with all he encountered was natural for Esai. His smile could light up the world and he shared it often and easily with anyone around. Engaging people was easy for Esai and he enjoyed learning from them, playing with and joking around with all. He was always seeking to improve himself and help others. Esai had a passion for the fine arts, music and literature. He was truly a young man with an "old soul" at heart. Esai could always be found drawing or creating things such as pixel art, digital graphics, molding clay figures, and playing games. An avid reader, Esai always had his nose in the middle of a good story book or piece of written history which came to life when he read it aloud. Music could always bring a little extra special exuberance to Esai, whether it was putting a dance to his steps or song in his mouth to share with the world. He came to life when he heard music. Esai especially loved soulful rhythms and jazzy blues, timeless and classical pieces composed by Bach, Beethoven, or Mozart, and even some good oldies and music from the early 80s could stir Esai's soul with delight. Esai had a way at looking at something or someone and finding the good qualities or meaningful connections in them. Esai loved easily and wholeheartedly. He had a gentle nature and sincere compassion for others, especially with animals too. He loved all furry creatures. Esai was always attentive, understanding and very caring. A tremendously thoughtful young man, Esai always put others before himself. He was also a warrior who faced his fears and struggles with determination, tenacity, and perseverance which made him victorious in his endeavors and pursuits. Although Esai's time on earth was far too short compared to most, Esai left an unforgettable impression and exceptional legacy that impacted every person he encountered and he exemplified something we all should strive to continue in and through our daily lives. Esai will be tremendously missed every minute of every day, and will always leave a smile on our faces each time we think of him. He is now the brightest star in Heaven and definitely Heaven's sweetest angel.

Esai leaves cherished memories with his beloved family;

Adoring Mother ~ Elizabeth Cano

Older Brother ~ Tristan McCain

Younger Brother ~ Azryel Rodriguez

Older Sister ~ Deshyla Rodriguez

Abuelita ~ Rosa

Aunt & Uncle ~ Alex & Bobby Boyanton

Cousins ~ Bailey & Megan Boyanton