Tony O. Hernandez

T.O., a lifelong Houstonian, is survived by Rebecca nee Savarino, his beautiful wife of almost 70 years; his sons Lynn Anthony (Mike Grimm); Mark Hernandez (Yuri); Donald Hernandez, Sr. (Chris) and daughters Becky Garcia (David); Rhonda Austin (Billy); brother Frank Hernandez (Lisa) and sister Cecilia Soliz (Rupert), sister-in-law Geneva (John, deceased); grandchildren: Kimberly Ennis (Jason), David A. Garcia (Michelle), Gabrielle Timmins (Gerald), Brandon Garcia, Donald Hernandez, Jr., Hero Hernandez (Sylvia), Ken Hernandez (Stacey), Marten Hernandez (Estelle), Izak Hernandez, Rebecca Hernandez, Raquel Hernandez, Marla Roper, & Kody Austin; great grandchildren: Katelyn, Ashlyn, Christopher, Elijah, Leonardo, Jaxon, Rose, Bryce, & Nora; great great grandson: Matthew; numerous dear nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Ignacia Hernandez, and 10 precious siblings.

Born July 21, 1922 in Galveston, he moved here at the age of 7. An Austin High graduate, he enlisted in the US Navy in March ‘42. He served with honor on 4 battleships and the USS Bannock from ’43 - war’s end. Home again, he remained active in the Navy Reserve. In January ‘46 his mom told him she had seen a lovely girl from a family they knew working downtown at Weingarten’s. T.O. dashed to see for himself and began wooing Rebecca immediately. On their second date, he informed her of his intent to marry her, which they did on May 27,1946. They had 5 children.

T.O. taught his children to follow their conscience and heart no matter what, to pursue excellence in the face of bigotry and modeled for his sons, that real men shed tears, especially for others.

T.O worked at Southern Pacific RR (Inglewood Yard) and at Foley’s concurrently from ’50-83’. After retiring, T.O. promptly became a devoted Freemason. He was a lifetime member of Gray Lodge #329; and a lifetime member of Morton Lodge #72 where he rose to the rank of Worshipful Master (2007-8). He was a Scottish Rite 32nd degree, a York Rite Mason and a member of the Arabian Shrine Temple. He leaves a legacy of devotion and integrity for his brothers to emulate.

His wake is scheduled for Sunday, April 17, from 3-6PM at Forest Park Westheimer, where also his funeral is scheduled at 10 AM Monday, April 18.