The oldest son of 5 siblings, he grew up working in the fields all over the northern United States with his family. In 1958 at the age of 17 he decided to join the Army, alongside Elvis Presley. In 1961, he Married the love of his life Lupe and went on to have 4 children; Cynthia, Rene Jr, Patricia and Yolanda.
His Army career lasted 30 years which included 2 tours of duties in Vietnam and serving as a Platoon Sergeant and being part of the 82nd Airborne Division. His duties consisted of being a recruiter, a drill Sergeant and an ROTC Instructor at USC and UCLA. The last years of his career were spent in the highest achievement a Command Sergeant Major. Even after Rene retired he still lived and breathed the Army every day. Rene stated one day that the biggest achievement in his life was not being a Soldier but raising his family.
He was a very well respected man who was extremely kind, generous, and friendly. His heart was always full of love and he never liked to see anyone suffer or be without anything they needed, since he experienced that in his early life.
Rene will be greatly missed but his legacy left a lasting impression on his family that will be carried on to the future generations of his 15 grandchildren and his 6 great-grandsons.
Serving as pallbearers are Paul Michael Savala, Jimmy Jesse Savala, Jesus Vejar, Ian De La Torre, George Walker, Rene R. Hernandez, Jr. and Dylan De La Torre.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Hernandez family.
