Jose was born on January 5, 1936 in Laredo, TX to Francisco and Francisca Hernandez. He grew up in Laredo and graduated from Martin High School in 1954. After graduation, he was employed at the Hamilton Hotel in Laredo until he was drafted into the Army in 1958. He exited the Army upon completion of his 2-year enlistment, but missed the comradery and rejoined after only three months. He stayed in the Army as a Military Policeman for the next 30 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank for enlisted personnel, for the 89th MP Brigade. During his distinguished career, he was stationed at various bases in Maryland, Texas, North Carolina, Colorado, Korea, Germany, and Panama. He served in Vietnam as a platoon sergeant with the 545th MP Company, 1st Air Cavalry Division as well as several other deployments throughout his long career.
While stationed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas in 1962, he met the love of his life, Lena Stacy, who was serving in the Women’s Army Corps. After a short courtship, they were married on August 5, 1962. They had four children: Jose Hernandez Jr. (Loryn), Stacye Downing (Doyle), Diana Razer (Reginald) and Todd Hernandez. After retiring from the Army, Jose and Lena settled down in Bartlett, TN where he worked as a postal worker for twelve years before retiring for good.
Jose enjoyed playing basketball in high school and the Army. He was also a fast-pitch softball pitcher in the Army for several of the units that he served in. After retirement, he turned his talents to playing pool at the senior center. He loved spending time with his family and was very close with his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Jose was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, his children, his four sisters Ester Farias, Amelia Quesada, Gloria Farias, and Lilia Sauceda, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Road, Bartlett, TN at 2:00 pm on November 11, 2021. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Hernandez family.
