Joe A. Hernandez, Sr., formerly of Junction, Texas passed away peacefully on July 28, 2011 at the age of 86, just one month shy of his 87th birthday. He was born on August 27, 1924 in Junction to Juan and Maria (Aguirre) Hernandez. Joe spent all his life in Junction, where he married the love of his life, Estella Rebeca Menchaca. They were married for 53 years before her passing in 1998. Joe worked hard as a sheep shearer for 45 years. He owned and operated a sheep shearing crew, which was well known and respected throughout the Junction area ranches. With this venue, he raised his family and provided the means for his two sons to achieve college degrees.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Estella; his parents, brothers, Manuel, Juan and Jesus and a grandson, Trea Hernandez. He is survived by one brother, Tony Hernandez; one sister, Angelita Alambar; two sons, Joe Hernandez Jr. and wife, Norma of Buda; Roland Hernandez and wife, Romelia of Buda; granddaughter, Celeste and her husband, Mike Minick; grandsons, Michael Hernandez and his wife, Emily, Mark Hernandez and his wife, Alexandra, Matthew Hernandez and his wife, Becky; three great-grandsons, Roland Domingo, Jonathan Mark, and Caden Michael, seven great-granddaughters, Caitlynd, Laurel, Josie, Ellie, McKaylah, Athena, Estella and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Hernandez, Mark Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez, Celeste Hernandez-Minick, Mike Minick and Roland Domingo Hernandez.
His family would like to thank the Marbridge Foundation in Manchaca for their loving care and support for the past five years.
Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, August 1 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda followed by graveside services at St. Joseph Cemetery in Junction.
