Clyde "Chito" Hernandez

07/07/1923 - 01/17/2011

Clyde "Chito" Hernandez
Our loving Father Clyde "Chito" Hernandez went to rest with his family by his side on January 17, 2011. He was born to Geronimo and Felicitas Hernandez on July 7, 1923. After his service as a WWII Veteran in the United States Army he settled in Santa Maria in 1944. He was employed with the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department for 29 years, while working a second job in Maintenance for the State of California. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus #2475 for over 50 years.
Dad was a generous and loving person who lived each day of his life to the fullest. On a Saturday morning he could be found at a corner BBQ'ing with the Knights of Columbus or working at the Friday Fish Fry at St. Mary's Parish Hall where he was known for being in charge of the french fries. Dad was a very hard worker who taught us many things by his example and infinite wisdom. Dad was not a quitter and he never complained. The word "can't" was not in his vocabulary. Dad loved and enjoyed being with his family. He always had a story to tell. No matter where he was, or whom he was with, he always had something to share. Daddy had a sense of humor and was good to everyone. Among our favorite stories, were the ones he talked about after having morning coffee with the guys aka "the cronies".
Among the many things he enjoyed were going out to eat with his family at Pearl East or Home Town Buffet, and watching Thursday night boxing. In his younger years he enjoyed camping with his family, along with his Brothers and Sisters and their families at Navarro River, Butte Lake, or Camache Lake.
In 1980, he met the love of his life, Jennie Villegas. They married in December 1985, and they lived happily together for 26 years until the Lord called upon Jennie in 2007.
Clyde is survived by his children, Frances (Hernandez) & Manuel Lopez, Rosalia (Hernandez) & David Vallejo, Clyde Jr. & Pauline Hernandez all of Santa Maria, Steve & Roslin Hernandez of North Las Vegas, NV, Phyles (Hernandez) & Ramiro Lopez of Bakersfield, Felipe & Anne Hernandez of Louisville, KY, Martha (Hernandez) & David Lane of Bakersfield.
Grandchildren, Robyn Hernandez Velasquez, Sammy Hernandez, Manuel Lopez Jr., Elisa Lopez, Talia Vallejo-Kchik, Stevie Hernandez, Ramiro Delfino Lopez, Patricia Patterson, Rita Oxford, Cecelia Hernandez, Marcella Lopez, Phillip Macias, Jeremiah Hernandez, Brittany Hernandez, Alicia Hernandez, Phillip Michael Hernandez, Sarita Hernandez.
Great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Manuel III, Marcus, Marisa, Sammy, Beyonnce, Joshue, Elijah, Sierra, Joseph, Jayce, Karim, Tristan & Savannah.
Brothers Tommy (Lillian) Hernandez of Santa Maria, Jerry (Judy) Hernandez of Selma, CA. and Sisters Marina Gregeda of San Gabriel, CA, Socorro "Cora" Rivera of Santa Maria.
He is proceeded in death by his wife Jennie Villegas Hernandez, brothers, Tony, Jesse & Ralph Hernandez and sister Sara Jimenez.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 23, 2011 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm with Recitation of the Rosary at 5 pm at the Chapel of the Dudley Hoffman Mortuary.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, January 24, 2011 at 9:30 am at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Santa Maria, CA. Burial will follow at Santa Maria Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it was Clyde's wish that contributions or donations be made to Catholic Charities in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.

Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com