It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joe Hernandez Flores. A partner, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. Joe was born on 04/21/1953 in Fort Lupton, Colorado, and he died on 02/26/2026, at Adventist Health in Hanford, California, surrounded by loved ones. Please join us on 03/27/2026, at 9:30am, for a Visitation, Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Pauda South Catholic Church in Reedley, California, followed by a burial at Reedley Cemetery.
Joe spent most of his childhood in the Central Valley, notably in Kingsburg, CA where he attended school. Joe also lived in Union City and Los Angeles before settling in Reedley, California. Joe worked as a farm laborer and mechanic, and he spent the majority of his career as a truck driver. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Hernandez Flores; his father, Jesus Talavera Flores; his brother, Antonio Flores; his brother, Jesus Flores; and his brother, Maurilio Flores. Joe is survived by his spouse, Lila Velazquez; his stepchildren; Carmen Marquez, Rafael Velazquez, and Ricardo Velazquez; and his children, Jessica Flores and Jocelyn Flores; grandsons, Dominic Garcia and Rafael Velazquez, IV. He is also survived by his sisters, Graciela Flores and Victoria Flores, and his brothers, Estevan Flores and Ernesto Flores. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Joe was best known by others as a truck driver. He was a hard worker and spent many hours on the road. He enjoyed several hobbies including listening to music, singing, and playing his guitar; fixing up his car; tinkering (MacGyvering), and learning about other cultures and languages. He and his spouse liked to spend weekends on local outings to browse yard sales, swap meets, and thrift stores; and they enjoyed visiting the local casinos to play the slot machines. They enjoyed discussing current events and watching games and talent shows on television.
Joe enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed a good joke and an authentic Mexican home-cooked meal (and tortillas with mayonnaise!). Joe’s daughters, Jocelyn and Jessica will remember Joe as a father who was family-oriented and prioritized getting home to his children and grandchildren every night. He took life’s challenges one at a time and never took anything too serious, making sure he had an amusing story to tell about it later. Joe liked to tell stories relating back to his upbringing in the country, rock music, his youthful adventures, the incomparable delicacy of home-grown Central Valley produce, and lessons learned in life. His daughters are thankful that Joe was kind, understanding, patient, and supportive. He passed down to the values of compassion, helping others, and fairness. Joe will be dearly missed.
The family of Joe Hernandez Flores invites you on 03/27/2026, at 9:30am, to Visitation, Rosary and Funeral Mass, which will be held at St. Anthony of Pauda South Catholic Church in Reedley, California, followed by a burial at Reedley Cemetery.
