Manuel C. Hernandez Sr.

Manuel C. Hernandez’ tragic passing fell on August 23rd, 2020 after 101 long years of life. He was born in 1919 in La Vernia, Texas, but it was in Nixon, Texas where he met his wife †Apolonia (Pauline), they were happily married for 69 fulfilling years raising 2 sons- Manuel and Robert in Florence, Arizona. His life was solidified in history with being one of the oldest World War II veterans alive. Manuel’s Honorable Discharge issued on March 30th 1946 indicates his tour of duty (Battles and Campaigns) as Rhineland Central Europe. He was awarded several medals such as: WWII Victory, EAE Theater Ribbon, and two Bronze Stars. He was known for many other reasons to those close to him, from his prized Rose garden to his love and dedication to his family, especially of all his wife. The later years of his life he was constantly surrounded by loved ones who came to visit him regularly even toward the end, from his children all the way down to his great-great grandchildren. One of his favorite catchphrases to say to family was “too soon,” much of which rings a little too true today while thinking of his passing.

He was a humble man whose life held significance that was unspoken. Despite few words, his hard work was seen and valued in everything he did. Hard work was evident in his efforts as he was a handyman who built things on his own, as well as his rejection of assistance finding the value in self-made success. For the 17 years that he worked at Phoenix Transit he was awarded for never missing a day of work. Even up until the age of 99, he was fully independent renting his own apartment, and driving around town even meeting up with friends at his favorite local Mexican restaurant. His legacy of hard work has inspired the Hernandez family for generations to come, teaching lessons of never giving up on your independence whether it be from the days in the Rhineland fighting for humanity, to living his last years never giving up his own right to do it himself.

“Grandpa’s legacy continues to live on through his family.” – Manuel C Hernandez

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Isabel Hernandez and son Gilbert, brothers Pablo and Francisco and sisters Joaquina and Sara Hernandez, He is survived by his brothers Seferino, Anselmo, Silvestre and his sons Manuel (Rosa) and Robert (Silvia) Hernandez. He was blessed with and adored his beloved grandchildren, Sylvia Cleland, John Cleland, Javier Hernandez, (†Guadalupe Maria Kinsella), Robert Hernandez, Alicia Hernandez, Liza Hernandez-Montaño, Lawrence Montaño, Peter Hernandez, (Kathryn Camuso), Suzanne Hernandez, Johnny and Allison Jaime. Great grandchildren: Luke, Maris and Rees Cleland, (Eva Dolan-Hernandez), Robert (Robbie), Demetria (Demi) and Ariel Hernandez, Zach Smiatek, Brooke Scott, Jonah DeSoto. Lawrence and Gabriel Montaño, Angela Hays, Mary, Peter, Nathaniel and Marissa Hernandez, Johnny Jr, Kimberly and Sylvia Savanna Jaime. Great-Great grandchildren: Carlee and Raylee Hays, Mia and Lucas Montaño, Naya, Jaxon and Jude Hernandez, Arlette and Johnny Espinoza-Jaime.