Manuel Sanchez Hernandez

Manuel “Manny” Sanchez Hernandez, 87, peacefully passed away on September 13, 2016 surrounded by loved ones at Garden Terrace Senior Care facility in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born in Holliday, Kansas on July 1, 1929.

Manuel is survived by his one true love and wife of 59 years, Angelina Cervantes Hernandez and their four children: Manuel A. Hernandez (Rene), Michael S. Hernandez (Gail), Theresa A. Hernandez-Harris (Marcel) and Eligio J. Hernandez (Richelle). He also leaves behind several grandchildren: Michael Hernandez, Jr. (Katie Lawrence), Gino Hernandez (Kristen), Erica Hernandez (Robert), Stacy Hernandez, Andrew Harris-Dutzel (Jeff), Nicholas Harris, Elia Hernandez, Jacob Lucas, Niko Hernandez, Adrian Harris, Meredith Hernandez and Angelina Harris and two great-grandchildren: Joey Harris and Harper Hernandez. Manny is also survived by his siblings: Jovita, Virginia, Linda and Alex. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eligio and Gregoria Hernandez; brothers, Mariano, John, Joe, Nick and his sister, Mary and grandson, Alonzo Harris and great-grandson, Chase Hernandez.

Manuel grew up in Holliday, Kansas one of 10 children. He joined the U.S. Army and trained for his “Jump School” at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He enlisted and served in World War II as a truck driver and a Rifle M1 MKM 153 marksman where he earned a WWII Victory Medal. He then enlisted in the United States Army to serve in the Korean War with the 82nd Airborne and the 101st Regimental Combat Team where he earned the Korean War Service Medal with one bronze service star, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. He served as a member of the KWVA Chapter 181 in Lenexa, Kansas. He retired from Honeywell after almost 25 years in 1992.

He had several interests like: Spending time with his family laughing and loving, bowling, traveling to the Colorado Mountains, Cars, soccer, old western movies, eating out, bbq, street taco Tuesdays, steaks, a beer or two and a good “stiff” Margarita.

Manuel was a man who was loved by all who knew him. He knew no stranger and would give anyone the shirt right off of his back. He was a devoted husband, who truly loved and cared for his wife, Angelina, right up to his last breath. He is a strong and loving father who raised his children with great values and respect for life, the same way he lived. A man with the kindest of hearts and soul, who always had a loving word of advice for those in need of one. A smile to warm you, a hug to comfort you and a heart to guide you through the dark. Stronger than Superman, as gentle as a lamb but as fierce as a Lion. He loved his family with all his heart. He loved his nieces and nephews as he did his very own children.

A Funeral Mass to honor Manuel will be held on Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 at 11:30am at the Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66206 with visitation at 10:00am and a Rosary Recitation at 11am. Military Burial will follow mass at 2:30pm at Leavenworth National Cemetery. (At the request of the family, there will be no reception following services and burial. The Family wishes to spend this time to reflect privately.)