Elmo Mendoza Hernandez

Elmo was born in Marfa, Texas on February 22, 1942 to Paulo and Josefita Hernandez. After his father passed away his mother remarried Guillermo Rangel when the family resettled in California in the late 50’s. Elmo worked throughout the Central Valley and Northern CA before settling in Visalia in the late 50’s. Elmo married Mary Cabrera in Fowler, California on July 12, 1963 and they made their home in Visalia. He continued working the citrus fields until 1987 when he began working for Turner Nursery in Exeter, where he stayed 28 years, retiring on Feb 7. Elmo especially enjoyed times spent with his family, watching his grandchildren grow, and enjoying the quiet of his home. He especially loved sitting in the backyard, appreciating his blessings, or sitting on the front porch with Mary, enjoying a good cup of coffee; he also appreciated a good meal. Elmo was known for his love of family, his commitment to work at Turner and, he was truly a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Elmo was preceded in death by his parents, Paulo and Josefita; his son, Juan Flores; and his siblings Raul, Eloy, Elson, Ector, Eiser, Elmer, Eisler, George, Ophelia and Lila.

Elmo leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Mary of Exeter, CA; his children, Paul Flores, Jr. of Exeter, CA, Manuel JF Hernandez and wife, Maureen of Leavenworth, KS, Teddy Flores of Visalia, CA, Susie Renteria and husband, Juan of Exeter, CA, Maria Emma Hernandez of Exeter, CA and Mitzi Hernandez-Malone and husband, Greg of Porterville, CA; three sisters, Elida Hernandez, Enedina Hernandez and Elsie Renteria and husband, Raymon, all of Visalia, CA; his granddaughter Crystal whom he raised and loved as his own, 20 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 9 great, great grandchildren and twenty nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

The Hernandez family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Mr. Ron Turner, of Turner Nursery in Exeter and, Fidel Aldama and the many workers, for their loyalty and friendship to our dad, during the 28 years of his employment.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave in Visalia. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia with burial following at Visalia District Cemetery.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to help cover medical expenses at http://www.gofundme.com/m11a4o.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.