Manuel E. Hernandez, a life-long resident of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away the evening of March 10, 2021, at the age of 81. Manuel was born on May 12, 1939, to Miguel Hernandez and Angela Espino.

Manuel was known to all as “Nelo.” He was born and raised in Fort Stockton by his large family of parents, aunts, and beloved grandmother.

He quit school in his high school years, and began his work career. He worked at Thompson Restaurant as a dish boy and eventually a cook. In listening to his stories, it was a busy place, and they had the best chicken fried steaks in town.

Passing on stories from his sisters and his cousins, they referred to Nelo as the best pool player in Fort Stockton, and he was hard to beat. As a young man he worked in one of the local favorites, Bennies Pool Hall, where he mastered shooting pool as well. To this day there is a pool stick in his closet.

It was around this time that he married Margarita Franco, began his family, and raised three girls in their hometown.

Nelo also worked in the oil field as a roustabout until he began a career with Fort Stockton ISD as a custodian at the Alamo School Campus. He made many friends working with the school, and many of those friends were only between the ages of five and eight. One of Nelo’s favorite encounters was to have a young student from the past call him by name to say hello in the grocery store aisles or in a restaurant.

Nelo enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys. He was known for drawing and painting a little bit. He loved his dogs, spending time at family gatherings, and visiting with his dear and near cousins who were like brothers to him. After retirement, he had his coffee buddies with whom he enjoyed gathering several times a week.

He made friends easily, and kept his friendships. He was an active member of the Catholic church, and for several years he and his wife Margaret participated in and led fundraising events for their local church. Nelo is no longer on earth, but with us in spirit and in memory.

Manuel was preceded in death by his wife Margaret F. Hernandez, parents Miguel Hernandez and Angela Espino Hernandez, brother Reynaldo “Sonny” Hernandez, and sister Benina Serano.

Manuel is survived by his daughters Sonya Ivan (Jeff) of Ponte Vedra, Fla., Roxie Ingram (Bob) of Fort Stockton, and LaMar Johnson (Steven) of Fort Stockton; his beloved granddaughters Kate Ivan and Amelia Ingram; brothers Miguel (Papo) Hernandez, Mario Hernandez and Ruben Hernandez; sisters Clara Fierro, Alicia Enriquez, Elva Chambers, Irma Arias, and Esmeralda Arias; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.