A longtime resident o f El Paso, Texas, Apolinar was born on April 23, 1936, in El Paso to Jesus and Maria Fernandez. He was raised in El Paso and proudly graduated from Jefferson High School in 1953.
In 1954, He answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. He dedicated 26 years to military service, exemplifying commitment, discipline, and patriotism. His distinguished career concluded in 1980, when he retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and First Sergeant.
He was married to Maria L . Fernandez, with whom he raised six children, and is survived by Apolinar Fernandez Jr., Terry Fernandez Olivarez, Grace Katzer, Guillermo Fernandez, George Fernandez, and Cristobal R. Fernandez. He is survived by his wife, Luz M . Fernandez.
He is also survived by his sister, Concepcion Calvillo; his brother, Jesus Fernandez Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, William Fernandez, Kirstie Fernandez, Nicholas Fernandez, Chance Katzer, Micah Szkup, Patrick Fernandez, Jordan Fernandez, Christian Fernandez, and Lillian Fernandez; as well as his great-grandchild, Esteban E. Fernandez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Maria Fernandez; his wife, Maria L . Fernandez; his brothers, Guillermo, Carlos and Guillermo (Willie) Fernandez; and his sisters, Elisa Hernando, Alicia Rodriguez, and Martha Soto.
Apolinar Fernandez will be remembered for his unwavering service to his country, his deep faith, his devotion to family, and the lasting legacy of strength and love he leaves behind.
All services will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026; Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm with a rosary at 11:30 am at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas, 79903. Funeral mass at 1:15 pm at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N Mesa St, El Paso, Texas, 79902; with interment to follow in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, Texas, 79906.
He will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of his 26 years of dedicated service to the United States Air Force at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
