OBIT-Juan Manuel Hernandez Sr.

MISSION – Juan Manuel (Meme) Hernandez Sr. passed away on Nov. 20, 2014, after a 14-year battle with cancer.

Mr. Hernandez was born in Pharr and raised his family in Mission. He worked for over 30 years with Southwestern Bell and went on to work for the Texas State Park and Wildlife Service for five years. He was a United States Marine veteran, served two tours during the Vietnam War, and remained active in veteran affairs throughout his life.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Elena; sons, Juan Manuel Jr. and Luis Eduardo; daughter, Maria Elena Guerrero; mother and stepfather, Eloisa Garcia Salazar and Rogelio Garcia; siblings, Dr. Adela Valdez, Jesus Valdez, Pedro Valdez and Ruben Valdez; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Hernandez; stepfather, Juan De Dios Valdez; and grandson, Juan Carlos Guerrero.

A funeral mass was held on Nov. 25 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Pallbearers were Juan Garza, Edward Cottrell, Apolonio Ortiz, Jaime Castillo Jr., Manuel Rodriguez and Robert Garza.