Eusebio Hernandez

Eusebio Hernandez, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Houston, Texas on November 13, 2017 at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Etelvina Hernandez, and by his parents Zacarias and Liboria Hernandez of Caldwell, Texas and by his brother Nicholas Hernandez of Bryan Texas. Eusebio was born on December 15, 1929 in Chriesman, Texas and grew up in Caldwell, Texas. He married Etelvina Servin of Mexico City, Mexico in December of 1953 and they made their home in Houston, Texas where they raised six children. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Sam Hernandez & Barbara Gabaldon of San Antonio; Carlos & Carol Hernandez, Eusebio Jr. & Maria Hernandez, Monica and Adrian Garcia, Maribel & Enrique Barrera, and Jack & Claudia Hernandez all of Houston; and grandchildren: Laura, Luis, William, Thomas, Victor, Christina, Carly, Monica (Joshua), Thomas, Nina, Rafael, Marisa and Malu. He also leaves behind five brothers & sisters-in-law: Cleto & Martha Hernandez of Houston, Silbanio & Rosie Hernandez of Bryan, Joaquin & Dorothy Hernandez of College Station, and John Hernandez of Austin; and two sisters: Antonia Mendez and Angela & Alberto Vasquez of Caldwell, and brother-in-law, Aurelio & Maria Luisa Servin of Tijuana; and sisters-in-law Grace Hernandez of Bryan, Bertha Servin, & Angela Servin of Mexico City and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Eusebio was the eldest of eight children and was also known as “Chebo”. He came from humble beginnings as the son of a railroad laborer and farmer. He attended school in Caldwell and worked various jobs after school. During the summertime, he worked picking cotton and various fruits and vegetables. His mother died when he was fourteen years old and shortly afterwards he moved to Houston to live with relatives. At the age of seventeen he joined the U.S. Army and it was during that time that he was given the name “Sam”. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served three years as a cook in active duty from 1948-1951, and nine years in the Army Reserves.

Sam spent his career working at the famous Shamrock Hilton Hotel in Houston, Texas from 1951 until it’s closing in 1986. He started as a cook’s helper and worked through the ranks to become the Executive Sous Chef. He advanced his culinary skills under the direction of European trained chefs from France, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. He was also a member of the Texas Chefs Association. Sam served socialites and notables such as Lady Byrd Johnson, President Ford, Nancy Reagan, Henry Kissinger, Fidel Castro, and many professional athletes and other social elites during his years of service. Sam was a loyal, responsible, and dependable employee during his 35 years of employment. After the hotel closed, he obtained his General Education Diploma in 1987. He enjoyed working throughout his life, going fishing, playing sports, and traveling with his beautiful wife and children especially to visit his family in Caldwell and Mexico City. He was a founding member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he was a parishioner until his passing. Eusebio will be remembered for his hard work ethic and as a loyal friend to many. Despite the struggles with his illness, he still tried everyday to enjoy life the best way he could. He will be dearly missed by all.

Visitation for family and friends will begin Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 5pm to 8pm with a Rosary service beginning at 7pm at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway Houston, Texas 77039. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 4918 Cochran St. Houston, Texas 77009 at 1pm. Interment to follow in Brookside Memorial Park.