With a heavy heart and boundless gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Ignacio V. Hernandez Jr. announces his peaceful passing on Monday, August 31, 2026, at a hospice home in Bedford, Texas. Born on February 24,1929, in Premont, Texas, to Ygnacio Hernandez and Herlinda Villarreal Hernandez, Ignacio, known affectionately to many as “Nacho” or “Lefty, devoted 97 years of his life to his faith, his country, his family, and his community. He loved working hard at his family ranch and taking care of his cattle. As a proud United States Marine Corps veteran who served during the Korean War, he carried the values of honor, discipline, and quiet strength throughout his entire life.
Above all his achievements, Ignacio’s greatest legacy was his family. He shared a profound, unwavering bond with the love of his life, Genevieve “Beva” Garcia Hernandez. Together, they built a home grounded in faith and love, raising six children, three foster children, and helping to nurture their grandchildren. For over 15 years, Ignacio and Beva were the dedicated owners and operators of Hernandez Meat Market in Premont, where Ignacio’s hard work as a skilled butcher was matched only by his warm, welcoming smile.
Ignacio is now reunited in eternal rest with his beloved wife, Genevieve; his precious infant son, Christopher; his parents, Ygnacio and Herlinda; and his siblings, Mary Lou Guerra, Juanita, Gonzalo, Lela, Ramon, Jose Maria, Lucila, Lalo, Andres, and Eugenio Hernandez.
His love and guidance will forever live on through his sons, Larry Hernandez of Amory, Mississippi, Antonio (Anita) Hernandez of Baytown, Texas, and Luis (Lori) Hernandez of Kemmerer, Wyoming; his daughters, Nancy (Pedro) Perez of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Debra (Russell) Countryman of Keller, Texas; his foster children, Christopher Garcia, James Garcia, and Amber Garcia, all of Premont; his brother, Thomas Hernandez; sisters, Corina Guajardo, Pauline Garza, and Esther Munoz; 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Countryman, Matthew Countryman, Austin Hernandez, Tony Hernandez, Luis Hernandez, and Christopher Perez. Honorary Pallbearer is Anessa Hernandez.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with a rosary to be prayed at 10:00 a.m. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Premont and services will conclude with Burial at the Premont Cemetery with military honors.
