Tommy Hernandez Sr.
Tommy G. Hernandez, Sr., of Edna, went to play his final game of bingo, on Monday, August 24, 2020, at the age of 71. He was born on Sept. 22, 1948, in Cordele, Texas to the late Jose Maria Hernandez and Eusebia Barrientes Hernandez. Tommy’s childhood was full of great memories. Memories of walking barefoot in the country, where he hunted and fished whatever his heart desired to eat that day. A skill he used to help provide for a family of 16. A skill that he would later pass on to his own sons. Tommy would tell a tale of how at the young age of 12, he decided he didn’t want to be a laborer anymore. Mr. Arnold Koop gave him the opportunity to become a heavy machine operator, which he later excelled at being a backhoe operator for over 30 years. Throughout his career, he worked for WE Hayden, Mercer Construction, Hunt Construction, and retired with GT Oilfield. Tommy bragged about being able to pick up a dime from the ground with a backhoe bucket and placing it into a cup without dropping it. He was once featured on page 2 of the Victoria Advocate for pulling a pickup truck out of a muddy field with his backhoe bucket, without even putting a scratch on the truck. His retirement was spent perfecting, “The Greatest Bowl of Menudo!” Which he accomplished. Even though Tommy was proud of his work accomplishments, his proudest memories were of his family. He loved his parents and siblings. But nothing compared to the love he had for his wife and children. He won his biggest jackpot on September 23, 1969, when he married the love of his life, Jovita Morales. They had four children, Veronica Bazan (Bobby), David Anthony Hernandez (Nicole), Lori Lee Hernandez (Abel), and Tommy G. Hernandez Jr. and remained married to his last day. Tommy lived his life on his terms and was happy to leave and join the Lord on his terms, peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, children, and siblings; sisters, Janie Hernandez Zamora (Rudy), Mary Linda Sertuche (Pete), Amelia Zarate; brothers, Felix Hernandez, Johnny Hernandez, Jesse Hernandez (Terry), Emilio Hernandez (Angie), and Domingo Hernandez (Michele); his precious grandchildren (which prompted the biggest smile to his face) Aimee Bazan, Cory Bazan, Bobbie Lindsey Bazan-Montano, Aaron Suniga, Mykeala Lutz, Brianna Briscoe, Brandyn Briscoe, and Brennan Briscoe; and his great-grandchildren, Karissa, Eli, Noah, Lucas, Ariana, Pablo, Colton, and Cameron, along with numerous nieces and nephews all who he loved dearly. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 27, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Father Michael Petering will be officiating. Internment to follow at the Latin American Cemetery in Edna. Pallbearers will be Robert Medina, Pete Sertuche Jr., Raymond Hernandez, Emilio Hernandez Jr., Derrick Bermea, and Domingo Hernandez. Honorary pallbearers will be Cory Bazan, Aaron Suniga, Eli Bazan, Noah Bazan, Lucas Montano, Pablo Montano, Colton Bazan, and Cameron Bazan In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made In Memory of Mr. Tommy Hernandez to Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Also, remember to tell your family before your time comes, if you would like to be an organ donor, you could give another family a wonderful gift. Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221. www.oaklawnfhednatx.com