Jose H. Hernandez, 88, of Fort Stockton, Texas, was called by the Lord on July 11, 2021. He was born March 19, 1933, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.

At the age of 13, he ran away from home to try to find a better life in the U.S. After working countless menial jobs in South and Central Texas, he eventually made his way to West Texas. Working as a farm hand, he met his “hunny” Lupita in 1957. On March 13, 1959, they married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Stockton.

From that union came one son and three daughters. Jose supported his family by working various jobs that included farming in Coyanosa, Texas, in the 1960s; a rig operator for both water and oil during the 1970s; and construction, which included being part of the work crew for the Fort Stockton Middle School in the 1980s. He worked for an oilfield services company in the 1990s, and finally he worked for Pecos County Precinct 2, keeping Rooney Park well groomed.

He retired in 2016, but left with the willingness to keep busy. He mowed lawns for many people in town, including his daughter’s yard, which he mowed every week until the age of 87.

Jose was a man who wore many hats - a great teacher, a hard-working man, and above all a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed.

Jose was preceded in death by his wife Lupita.

He is survived by his children Jose Luis Hernandez of Grapevine, Texas, Irma (Ernie) Taylor of Midland, Texas, and Mary I. (Alex) Pacheco and Norma (Tony) Munoz, both of Fort Stockton; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Kate) Mark, Rebekah Hernandez, Monica (Chris) Spence, Nicole Spence, Jessica (Paul) Gladney, Brian Pacheco, Dadrienne (Norma) Quiroz and Darien Quiroz; nine great grandchildren, Callie, Nathan, Kyliegh, Elliana, Logan, Leah, Max, Ezra, and Alicia; three step grandchildren, Dacey (Romeo), Timothy (Racheal) and Jeffrrey Taylor; three step great-grandchildren, Chloe, Romeo and Jade; his neighbor Eunice Navarette, whom he teased endlessly; and Maria Gonzales, who was so very kind and patient in the last months of his life.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Hernandez, Mark Hernandez, Brian Pacheco, Dadrienne Quiroz, Nathan O’Brien, and Paul Gladney.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Fort Stockton for their care and compassion for our father and everyone who gave their thoughts and prayers.

Visitation was held on July 14, 2021 with a rosary at Eternity Funeral Home Chapel.

Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, with Father Francis Njoku officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are under Eternity Funeral Home.