Judge Alfred J. Hernandez Sr.

1917 - 2010

Judge Alfred J. Hernandez Sr. obituary, 1917-2010, Houston, TX

BORN

1917

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

Alfred Hernandez Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 5, 2010.

JUDGE ALFRED J. HERNANDEZ, SR. passed peacefully in the presence of his family on Saturday, September 4, 2010.He was born to Jose Hernandez and Josefina Guzman de Hernandez in Mexico City, D.F., Mexico on August 23, 1917. His family immigrated to Houston in 1921, where he grew up in the old Fifth Ward near downtown Houston, and graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1935. Following graduation from high school, he became a watchmaker under his father's tutelage. At St. Patrick's Church, he married Minnie Casas on April 26, 1942. He entered the US Army in 1943 and served during World War II in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France. Although trained in ordinance, he became an interpreter of Italian and French because of his ability to easily pick up languages. While in service in Italy, he became a naturalized American citizen.On his return to Houston from World War II, he attended the University of Houston and then South Texas Law School at night while engaged in several businesses to support his family. After receiving his law degree, he started his solo practice of law in 1953. In 1960, he was appointed as a judge in the Houston Municipal Courts, making him the first Hispanic to preside as a judge in Harris County since Texas became a state. He continued to serve until 1970. In his later years of practice, he was appointed alternate judge in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law and in the County Juvenile Courts. He continued to practice law into his 80s.In addition to his legal career, upon his return from the War, he became involved in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and served in multiple local, state, and national positions. He served as national LULAC Counsel, and was eventually elected as national President of LULAC for three terms. In his work with LULAC, he was instrumental in establishing the "Little School of the 400", which was the basis for the Head Start Program, championed by "Lady Bird" Johnson, and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was invited to the signing of the bill by President Johnson, and dined at the White House. In addition, he was the founder and Chairman of the Board of SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc ., a job opportunities program.He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and his son, John Joseph Hernandez. He is survived by his wife; children Dr. Alfred J. Hernandez, Jr. and wife Kathleen Hernandez, Anna Juarez and fiancé Michael Bowlin; grandchildren Katelena Hernandez Cowles and husband Jay Cowles, Marc Hernandez and wife Angela Milliman, Matthew Juarez, Lucas Juarez, Elizabeth Hernandez; great-grandchildren Emily Torrance, Celia Cowles, Edwin Barnhart, Gabriel Cowles, Eleanor Barnhart, Kyan Hernandez Chen; sisters Hope Holguin, Amelia Mireles; brother Augustin Hernandez; and numerous extended family members.The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Colonial Oaks Assisted Living Facility and Grace Hospice for the loving care they gave to him.The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home with a rosary recited a 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2010 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 4918 Cochran, Houston, TX 77009. Interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery

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October 4, 2010

Cristina Guerra McCoy

May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to the entire family. May you all find strength in your deep faith.

September 19, 2010

emily torance

i am his great-granddaughter and i miss him so much he is 1 of my role model. i love you walito. i hope you are happ in hevan and i miss you.

September 12, 2010

Martha Helston

Posted by Martha Helston

September 12, 2010

Martha Helston

Posted by Martha Helston

September 11, 2010

Annie Fontenot

September 11, 2010

Jimmy Fontenot

September 11, 2010

Jimmy Fontenot

I married into the family over ten years ago and I have loved that man from the day I met him for the first time. He was a very special person and was devoted to his wife and then to helping people in any way he could. He sent me home the first time with a plant and now I have them all over the yard and on the porch. He can and will never be replaced. May the family know that now he is in heaven and resting very well.

September 9, 2010

Monica Reyes

Judge Hernandez was truly a man of integrity and a wonderful role model. The accomplishments of his life are numerous and inspiring. He and Minnie attended our wedding which shared the date of their anniversary. Minnie said she couldn't think of a more romantic way to spend their anniversary:) They also threw wonderful tamale parties!!! I know Judge Hernandez will be missed by family and friends but the memories he left behind will live on in our hearts and minds:)

September 9, 2010

Maria/Jesus Lozano

One of the things I remember most about Judge Hernandez was the joy he expressed when we would play at the family gatherings. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him as he was loved by all who knew him. God Bless his family during this difficult time as you are in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy to Minnie and the rest of Judge's family.

September 9, 2010

Our prayers and our sincere sympathy to your entire family......may God guide you and help you find peace in this time of sorrow....Sanchez Family(Houston, TX)

September 9, 2010

Frank Ortiz

The Hispanic community has lost another great champion. Judge Alfred Hernandez was a leader of leaders and a friend as no other. "El Indio," as he was called in his younger days by his close friends loved to sing and was a man of high principles. I had the pleasure, privilege and honor of receiving his advise on many occasions while I was a LULAC elected officer.

As much as many of us may miss him, his family without question will miss him more. My condolences and prayers to Mrs. Minnie Hernandez and to the children.

Sincerely,
Frank M Ortiz, Former LULAC National VP-SW and National Treasurer

September 9, 2010

Family Kriticos

You are in our prayers.

The Kriticos Family

September 8, 2010

Betsy Sherrill Gallner

I met Judge Hernandez while I was working in Juvenile court in the 1990's...he was one of the kindest, most courteous, genuine and sincere persons I had the privilege to meet while there. I'm so sorry for your loss. Godspeed, Judge.

September 8, 2010

Frances Feinberg

My heartfelt condolences to Anna, Minnie and the entire Hernandez family. I have so many fond memories of spending time with Anna and her parents and am saddened to hear of the Judges' passing. Judge Hernandez and Minnie were dear friends to my parents, Anna Laura and Elias Gonzales.

September 8, 2010

Katelena Hernandez Cowles

Thank you so much to everyone who has given our family such love at this time. We are so grateful for your affection and kind comments.

September 8, 2010

Robert Gomez

He was the greatest man I've ever known. If ever there was a man that held true to the virtues that so many of us can only wish to uphold it was him. Alfred Joe, Anna, and Tia Minnie you are in my prayers.

God Bless you Uncle Alfred.

Robert A. Gomez (Robby Sr.)

September 7, 2010

My prayers are with you Minnie, Anna, and Dr. Alfred. Judge was a true Christian, gentle heart, and humble man. Houston has lost a great fighter for Hispanics. Linda Gutierrez Aka Sister Genevieve.

September 7, 2010

Eleanor (Walters) Arnold

We have lived on same street in Lindale Park for 46 years. Judge Hernandez watched my kids grow up and gave me advice when I asked. He held fabulous parties and was always the gentleman. He helped me with some private legal work. I will never forget him. He will, indeed,fly with the angels.

September 7, 2010

Helen Quintero

My condolences to the entire Hernandez family. Judge was such a special person and a good man. He was wonderful to work around and I have many happy memories of him. God bless you and keep you always.

September 7, 2010

Judge Hernandez was an oustanding judge, good friend and helpful to friends and community. My sister, Lula Gomez single then and now Lula de la Isla was his secretary right before he became a judge and he was very kind and thoughtful to her and our entire family. His giving spirit and cheerful smile is always remembered and will continue to be remembered by our family and the entire Hispanic community. He was a gentleman, a fearless leader and a true pioneer who paved the way for many of us who are now enjoying the fruits of his work.
Yolanda Gonzales, Houston, Texas

September 7, 2010

Frederick Salazar

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

September 7, 2010

Zoe Fallgren

I worked with Judge Hernandez in the courts for many years. We also share the same date of birth Aug 23. I always think of him on that day. May each of you know that you have a special guardian angel looking after you

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale

6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023

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