Jose Juan Hernandez (Jr.) was born to the late Jose Juan and Juana Eulogia Sanchez Hernandez on December 18, 1934, in McAllen, Texas. He was called home to be with Our Lord Jesus Christ on January 3, 2019, at the age of 84. Jose grew up in McAllen, Texas to the age of 13 then moved to San Antonio, TX with his Aunt Maria “Hella” Castillo (Surrogate-mother) until the age of 18; where he met his beautiful bride to be, Agnes Gates Cortez Hernandez. Jose joined the United States Marine Corp in January of 1953. He served our Country in the Korean War from 1953 to 1956; promoting in honors to the rank of Sergeant in 1955. Jose completed his Marine tour of duty in January of 1957, transferring to the Marine Reserve and subsequently Army Reserve promoting to Staff Sergeant, serving until May 1967.
Jose also gained full time employment at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, as an aircraft mechanic while continuing his education achieving an associates degree in aeronautics. He then continued working his way up the ranks to a (GS13) blue/White collar as a (Jet) Air Frame Specialist, traveling the world in support of our military aircraft and accident investigations; with a tenure of 35 years of service. Jose also joined the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department reserve patrol division in 1959 promoting to Patrol Sergeant by 1961. Jose patrolled the eastern county and worked security services in the city and county. He served his community 20 years retiring in 1979. He retired from Kelly AFB (Civil Service) in 1990, Jose decided to continue to contribute his expertise as a Security Officer at Southwest General Hospital from 1995 for an additional 17 years until full retirement. Jose is a Born Again Baptized Christian well known as a tough hard working selfless servant, Patriot of our Country, a Wise and Intelligent Man, a Mentor, a Leader, A Great Provider and our Hero! He diligently served God, his Family, his Country, his community and the public in his time. He touched many hearts and saved a few lives along the way. Jose leaves to cherish his loving memories with his wife of 65 years, Agnes Gates Cortez Hernandez, and his children; Jose D Hernandez, and wife Mary Hernandez, Debra J. Hernandez, Jerry D, Hernandez and wife Jessica Hernandez, daughter in law Alexandra Hernandez. One sister, Regina Garcia of Texas City, Texas, Also 19 Grand Children, 43 Great Grandchildren, and one Great Great Grandchild, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Juan (Sr.) and Juana Eulogia Hernandez, Daughters; Doreen Joyce Hernandez, Beatrice Gonzalez Hernandez, Son; Jeffrey Dean Hernandez, Grandchild; Johnniel Pollard, Brothers; Juanito Hernandez, Carmen Hernandez and sister in-law Cruzita Hernandez, Sisters; Carolina Garcia, Rosalinda Hernandez, and Francis Garcia. Jose will be greatly missed but left this earth knowing that he was greatly loved by all. To his wife he was a soul mate, to his children he is our “Hero” and to his grandchildren he is known as “Grandpa the Great”! Thank you for your Service! Job Well Done Jose Juan Hernandez (Jr.). “Semper Fi Marine” our legacy.
