Edward J. Hernandez, Sr.

Sergeant First Class (Retired)
Edward Joy Hernandez, Sr. U.S. Army

It is with great sadness and fond memories, that the family of SFC (Retired) Edward Joy Hernandez, Sr., announce his passing on January 31, 2018.  He was 67 years old and a resident of San Antonio, Texas.  He was born at Camp Hood, Texas, now known as Ft. Hood, Texas, on April 12, 1950, to parents Francisco Hernandez and Alice Gonzalez. 
Both have preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Rachel Hernandez, and sons, MAJ Edward Joy Hernandez, Jr. (Oxana A. Hernandez, wife), Eric Jay Hernandez, Esq. (Michelle D. Hernandez, wife), Evan Joel Hernandez (Christina A. Hernandez, wife), and Ethan John Hernandez.  Five grandchildren, Ariana Rochelle Hernandez, Edward Joy Hernandez, III, Elyan Zachary Hernandez, Eric Jay Hernandez, Jr., and Elizabeth Cerilene Hernandez. 

Also surviving are siblings Grace Gonzales (George Gonzales, husband), Jim Roy Hernandez (Lily Hernandez, wife), and Lee Ray Hernandez (Guadalupe "Pete" Hernandez, wife).  He was predeceased by his older brother Frank Hernandez who is survived by wife Josie Hernandez.  Also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends.

Of his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his sons.  It was his support and encouragement that spurred them to become the men that they are and are still becoming.  He always stressed the importance of a good education and determination to succeed.  He also continued to encourage his grandchildren to do their best and exceed their own expectations.

He served in the U.S. Army for 23 years and 5 months.  Serving his country at various stateside posts, to include, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, Ft. Hood, Texas and Ft. Gordon, Georgia.  Also completing two tours in Germany and one in Belgium.  Upon retirement from the U.S. Army, he studied at the University of Texas San Antonio and graduated with his B.A. in history.


His love of history went beyond the classroom, spending much of his free time watching documentaries, principally in the areas of military history.  He enjoyed cooking, baking, Country music, High School football games, being a band dad/granddad, and rocking babies to sleep.  Edward especially loved spending time with family, going out to eat, and going to the movies while enjoying buckets of buttered popcorn.  He would rarely pass up an opportunity to watch sporting events of any kind, particularly as a fan of the
San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys.

There will be a viewing for family on
Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at
The Angelus Funeral Home 
1119 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78215
with Rosary to follow at 5:00 p.m.

A funeral procession will depart from
The Angelus Funeral Home on
Monday, February 19, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.
for St. Patrick's Catholic Church,
1114 Willow St., San Antonio, TX 78208
and a mass to be offered at 12:30 p.m.

Burial service with full military honors will follow at
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery 
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78209
at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers for Edward will be sons, Edward, Jr., Eric, Evan and Ethan, also Travis Medellin (godson), and his brother Roy.  Honorary pallbearers are grandsons
Eric Jr., Edward, III, and Elyan.

Edward's passing leaves a void in our lives
that will never be filled. 
We love him and miss him, but are blessed by
the memory of the husband, father, and
grandfather he was to us.