Rafael E. Hernandez

Rafael grew up in Huntington Park, CA and graduated from Salesian High School. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree

from California State University at Los Angeles. Rafael was an adapted physical education credentialed teacher, but dedicated his 30year

career in teaching elementary school, first in L.A. for 7year and the last 23 he spent in the same room with 1st graders with Adelanto School District.

Rafael was an athlete, he liked running and finished a few marathons, half marathons, 10K and 5K's. He loved music and self taught to

play piano and guitar, which he used both in the classroom and in Church ministry. He dedicated years of service to different Church ministries

and hoped to someday serve as a deacon. Rafael will be remembered as a quiet, prayerful and ever loving man. His life was his family and he

worked and sacrificed everything to be a loving husband and provider. His children and grandchildren new the silly side of daddy/Pappa, they

were loved and in turn, loved him dearly.

Rafael became ill, had a tumor on his spine and fought cancer since Sept. 2019, he beat lymphoma and was cancer free in March, 2020.

But his health deteriorated, his organs were weak and eventually was taken by all complications. His illness, as all his life endeavors,

was a marathon well run, and crossed the finished line. Finally, the Lord called his servant to come home on Sunday, August 16th, 2020.

He is greatly missed and cherished by his wife of 29years, Evelyn Antoinette; his six children, Vanessa and Drew McDaniels,

Rafael A. and Kimberly Hernandez, Daisy, William, Katherine and Jazmine; his 4 grandchildren: Elise, Oliver, Phillip, Vincent and Elaine.

He is survived also by his father, his sister and 5 brothers and their children.

Rafael was a true believer and had hope in the resurrection. May the Peace and Mercy of the Lord open wide the gates of heaven

to receive Rafael's soul...

Rafael's wife and children want to thank their friends and family, especially their Church family at Our Lady of the Desert,

for all their prayers, love and support at this time of grief.