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1938
2017
(RET) USMCR Lt. Col. Enrique "Henry/ Hank" Hernandez, 79, passed peacefully, Saturday, December 2, 2017. He was born June 21, 1938 to Felicitas and Toribio Sepulveda & adopted after their death by Refugio and Rev. Jesus Hernandez at 18 months. He was a longtime resident of El Paso., TX. After graduating from El Paso High School in 1956, Henry joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration from Texas Western College and an active duty commission in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated as an interpreter during the Bay of Pigs. In 1963, he married Lucia prior to completing naval flight training in Milton, FL. Among the first Hispanic military aviators, he flew 302 combat missions in Vietnam, including Operation Twilight and Harvest Moon. He was shot down twice and awarded the Air Medal (7th) for gallant combat action. He completed his military career as the Commanding Officer of N Battery, 8" howitzer in the Marine Corps Reserve. In 1971, he began "door to door" selling of life insurance and developed a 40+ year practice in El Paso's financial services industry. His favorite saying was, "It's easier to sell life insurance than get shot at in combat." He was an advocate for small business owners, which over the years become some of his closest friendships, akin to family. He continued to remain active with the community, mostly with a non-profit veterans group - 19th Rifle Company. For more than 10 years he led the group's scholarship committee, organizing fundraising efforts and award presentations. Henry was the epitome of "An Officer and a Gentleman," served as a great confidante to many, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lucia O. Hernandez; sons Enrique Jr. "Kiki" (Anita), Daniel "Nano" Reynaldo of Los Angeles, CA, Jaime Alfonso (Mary) of Franklin, TN, & Carlos Hernandez; eight grandchildren; sisters Leonor Rodriguez and Gloria Diaz (Salvador); as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm with a Rosary service at 6:00pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina. Funeral Mass will be Monday, December 11, 2017 at 12:15pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Interment to follow in Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. Services entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina, (915)598-3332. Honorary Pallbearers are Donnie Allen, Allan Carl, Joe Divas, Mario Gaspar De Alba, Dave Harold, and Jaime Rosales.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hillcrest Funeral Home on Carolina.
December 19, 2017
Anita Hernandez
Apa you will be greatly missed by many!! Thank you for the many lessons you taught all of us!! Your lessons will never be forgotten. Love your daughter, Anita
December 14, 2017
Virginia Gutierrez
My prayers and love to the Hernandez family. I never met Henry but heard about his legend from my cousin, Raquel Hernandez. Strength and love to my dearest buddy and cousin, Carlos Hernandez. See you soon! Love ya, Virginia Gutierrez, Esq. Philadelphia, PA
December 14, 2017
Friend
Elena Michel
Our heart, thoughts and prayers go out to this sweet family. Mr. Hernandez will always be in our heart. May the Lord bring the Hernandez family peace in knowing they had one of the best and most honorable as the leader and point man of the family. Rest in Peace brother Henry.
December 11, 2017
Lillian Carl
My sincere condolences to Lucia and Hernandez family. Henry was truly a generous unique person. Sending you love and prayers...Lillian
December 11, 2017
Benny Montoya Lucero
My deepest condolences to the Hernandez family. All my love, thoughts , and prayers are with you.
Benny Montoya Lucero
December 11, 2017
Benny Montoya Lucero
My deepest condolences to the Hernandez family. All my love, thoughts , and prayers are with you.
Benny Montoya Lucero
December 10, 2017
Jaime Rosales
You will truly be missed.
December 10, 2017
Wylie Gibson Family
Semper Fidelis. LtCol. Hernandez set an impressive standard in all aspects of life. His valuable service to Family, community, and Country cannot be overestimated. He was and will forever remain an outstanding example of America, Home of the Brave.
December 9, 2017
JACK COFFEY
HERNANDEZ FAMILY... OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THIS TIME OF LOSS. MY EARLIEST MEMORIES OF MR. HERNANDEZ GO BACK TO THE EARLY 70'S, WHEN HENRY WAS THE AGENT FOR THE ADCFCU PENSION AND HEALTH INSURANCE PRODUCTS. HE WAS SUCH A PROFESSIONAL AND A REAL PLEASURE TO WORK WITH AT ALL TIMES. HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON THROUGH HIS GREAT FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN THIS TIME OF LOSS.
December 9, 2017
Michelle Shipley
I can't begin to express my deepest condolences at this difficult time. My family and I have you in our prayers.
All my love,
Michelle Shipley
December 9, 2017
Anthony and Vicky Gonzales
Our most sincere condolences to the Hernandez family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. May Mr. Hernandez rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him, and may our Lord bring you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. God bless you all.
December 8, 2017
Ray and Jessica Mowad
Lucia and family, Jessica and I offer our sincerest condolences. I have known Henry since we were young boys growing up together and he has always been a good and sincere friend. Recently, when we would occasionally meet for breakfast, he would talk lovingly about his family and we would reminisce about the "old days" in the neighborhood. He will be missed.
Ray and Jessica Mowad
December 8, 2017
Ida Vasquez
Dear Lucia and boys, this is such a beautiful story on Henry. He was such a great person. I have so many good memories of you, Lucia, tia Vale and myself. Also Poncho and Ray. I love you guys so much. I am praying and wishing I was there with you. Ida
December 8, 2017
My sincere condolences to Lucia and family. Henry was the "Brother" I never had. I cannot begin to count the "many times" he Helped me and my husband, Ed. May He Rest in Peace.
Rose Marie Netzer & family (Waco, Tx.
December 8, 2017
Rich & Sandy Luna
Our condolences and prayers to Lucia and the Hernandez family. Henry was a great friend to us and all of our Luna family. Semper Fi!
December 8, 2017
Kiki, Nano, Jaime, Carlos and Lucia; I have so many memories of growing up with the boys and Henry. He was like a second father to myself and my sister Tanya Enriquez DeValle. I remember his big smile, his roaring laugh and when he clapped his hands it was as loud as thunder. He always looked out for not only my sister, mom and I; but he was best friend and brother to my dad Lucindo Enriquez, Jr. I will miss him and loved him dearly. God speed to you Henry; love you tons - Cezanne N. Enriquez
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Dec
10
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Funeral Home on Carolina1060 North Carolina Drive, El Paso, TX 79915
Dec
10
Funeral services provided by:
Hillcrest Funeral Home on Carolina1060 North Carolina Drive, El Paso, TX 79915
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