Fred H. Hernandez

Fred H. Hernandez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Fred H. Hernandez, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather who left us peacefully at the age of 90 on January 12, 2025. Fred was born on June 15, 1934 in Brownsville, Texas.

Fred “El Garzo” Hernandez served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Carson Colorado. He worked as an X-ray Technician in Texas and California. For a time, he owned and operated a diner in Escondido, California. He would generously provide his assistance to migrant farm workers in the area by providing free bagged lunches.

Fred approached life with humor and a playful attitude. Each of his grandchildren carries a piece of his youthful spirit, and they will forever carry on his zest for life. He had a sense of adventure and lived in many cities before settling in Pleasant Hill, Missouri to be near his daughter, Emily. He was gifted at sparking conversation with people from all walks of life, and was often a favorite customer at the local food establishments and coffee shops. 

Fred loved his kids and his teachings were of strength and independence. He sought to ultimately provide for his family, working all his life as an X-ray tech pulling late hours, overnight shifts and sometimes double shifts to get the job done. 

During his last years he stayed true to his nature as a man of an era who needed privacy, respect, and dignity, and allowed others the same freedoms that he wished to have.

Fred is preceded in death, by his wife, Josefina O. “Josie” Hernandez; his brother, Edelmiro Hernandez Jr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Rogerio Jimenez; his sister, Carolina Hernandez; and his brother-in-law, Frank Garibay. He is survived by his children, Belinda Henby, Fred Jr. and [Gina] Hernandez, Emily Hernandez and [Howie Silagi], and Angela Hernandez and [Joe Krupens]; his sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Tony Alvarez; his sister, Socorro Garibay; his sister-in-law, Herminia Hernandez; his 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Josie, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years of marriage before her passing. He will be laid to rest beside her in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

To honor Fred’s life and the love he shared with his family, a prayer service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Wallace Funeral Home with Father Curt Vogel officiating. Casket Bearers will be Fred Hernandez, Jr., Howie Silagi, Victor Large, Jim West, Michael West and Jacob West.  Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full Military Honors by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.