Placido "Balta" Hernandez

He was born in Pecos, Texas on October 5, 1934 and had five brothers and four sisters. His mother, Julia was from Presidio, Texas and his father, Gaspar was from Mexico. Life was hard and all the children had to work to put food on the table. School was a privilege in those days, so the highest grade he reached was 3rd grade. Agricultural life became the center of his life. His father became a "Labor Contractor", which meant the whole family moved around in camp style. Sometimes to another state. It was around this season that he could not live without the LOVE of his life; Maria Valenzuela. He stole her and brought her to live with his family. After some time her grandpa finally approved of them being together. They were married October 31, 1952. All along she knew him as "Balta" Hernandez, until that day when she heard... "Do you take this man, "Placido" (Surprise! she paused, who? Too late she was in LOVE with this man and not the name!) So what was the result of this marriage? 63 years together; 6 children; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. In Arizona, he picked cotton; 1,000 lbs daily at $3.00 per 100 lbs. In California, he picked vegetables and fruits, but he would eat the big strawberries so they did not make good money. However in California, he started work as an irrigator, moving long field lines in the early mornings. He was good and would finish in record time. He would be done for the day by 7AM! After this, he advanced to foreman "helper" and then, yes! To Foreman. Those were the best years... a free house, a free work truck and every Christmas; a big Money Bonus for "mom" and for us children, a truck full of free toys! He was a hard worker and a good provider. However, sadly in May 2003 he had a stroke while "mom" also had her 2nd struggle with cancer. After the stroke, he had a different outlook on life. He saw it as a second chance to make "mom" HAPPY! They fell in LOVE again in caring for each other. Even though for 15 years it seemed to be the most difficult time of their lives, their struggles reminded and proved their TRUE LOVE for each other! Placido went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2015 at his home with his family at his side.

A Celebration of Placido’s life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230.

Family and Friends are invited to view Balta’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family for a keepsake book they’ll receive later.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street * Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591 * www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com