Hermes Arturo Venegas Hernandez

Hermes Arturo Venegas Hernandez March 28, 1947 – July 17, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hermes Arturo Venegas Hernandez, age 78, of Kermit, Texas. He passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by the love of his family.
Arturo was born on March 28, 1947, in El Pueblito, Chihuahua, Mexico. He grew up in humble beginnings, without electricity or plumbing, and had limited access to formal education. Despite these early challenges, Arturo built a remarkable life defined by love, hard work, generosity, and faith. Driven by the hope of a better future, he endured multiple grueling seven-day treks through the unforgiving West Texas desert, a perilous journey that would not only transform his life, but also impact countless others when he immigrated to the United States in 1965.
Early in his career, after arriving in the United States, Arturo worked various labor-intensive jobs to support himself and send money home to Mexico for his mother's medical care. He was never afraid of hard work and took pride in earning an honest living. From working on farms and ranches to working on pulling units with the Hawkins from Wink, TX, he quickly became known for his strong work ethic.
In Kermit, TX, Arturo met the love of his life, Betty, "on the drag." Their romance was full of warmth and humor-from using a Spanish-English dictionary and a flashlight in the car during their courtship to the unforgettable moment when Arturo stole Betty's first kiss. When Arturo announced he was returning to Mexico and might not come back, Betty boldly declared, "You're not leaving without me." The two eloped and married on July 27, 1973, beginning an almost 52-year love story filled with laughter, devotion, and partnership.
After marrying, Arturo began working at Whitling's Trim Upholstery for his father-in-law. Though upholstery was a new trade, Arturo learned quickly and developed a natural talent for it. He poured his heart into the work, mastering the skill over time and building a reputation in Kermit and surrounding areas for quality and precision. He later took over the business, becoming the proud owner and continuing to serve his community for many years. After the upholstery business, he traveled the US working construction. Eventually, he returned home and began working at Best Made Designs, LLC in Monahans, TX building military tactical gear alongside his son and daughter. He "adopted" the owners Jeff Wemmer and Bryan Heflin as his sons and all his coworkers lovingly called him "Tio". He was also a gifted carpenter who remodeled his own home and after retirement he enjoyed working for Eric Spangler remodeling and maintaining rental properties.
He was a man who lived with integrity, humor, and a deep love for his family and friends. Known for being "a little high maintenance," Arturo always had to have new boots, a fresh cowboy hat, and new clothes for every occasion. And though he was known as King of the house, Betty lovingly shared that the secret to their marriage was letting him think he was king.
Arturo had an incredible memory and never met a stranger. He was known for his kindness and generosity-always willing to help others, even if he didn't have much to give. His friendships were among his greatest treasures. He shared countless laughs and meaningful conversations over coffee with his dear friends Julian, Henry, Tuty, and Mario, who referred to him as "John Wayne."
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife Betty Venegas; his children: David Venegas of Monterrey, Mexico; Steve Venegas and wife Corriane of Monahans, TX; and
Carissa Venegas of Kermit, TX; nephew Fernando Venegas and wife Beri of Odessa, TX grandchildren: Niya Akins and husband Taylor, Maeve Venegas, Ivan Venegas, Eduardo Venegas, Arturo Venegas, Gavino Venegas, and Elijah Venegas; and his great-grandson Aris Akins, affectionately known as "El Guapo."
He is also survived by his brother Jorge Venegas and wife Delfina of Kermit, TX; his sisters Berta Lidia Sanchez and husband Matilde of El Pueblito, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Teresa Franco of Mt. Pleasant, TX; in-laws Lidia Venegas and Tere Venegas of Chihuahua, Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Beta Venegas; his son Tony Frances Venegas; his daughter-in-law Lulu Venegas; and his siblings Mundo Venegas, Ramon Venegas, and Armida Venegas.
Arturo will be remembered as the best brother, husband, Apa, Papiringo, Papaw, and Tío anyone could ask for. His contagious laugh, generous heart, and vibrant spirit will live on in all who had the privilege to know him. He was a good man. Though he is no longer with us in person, Arturo's legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will remain forever in our hearts. May he rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, 1:00-8:00 PM, Monday, July 21, 2025, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM at Family Funeral Services 911 East School St. Kermit,TX. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM United Pentecostal Church 402 N East Ave. Kermit, TX Officiated by Pastor Trace Moore. Burial will be at Kermit Cemetery on Telford Ave with a meal following at the Kermit Civic Center, 838 Telford Ave, Kermit, TX. Pallbearers are David Venegas, Ivan Venegas, Gavino Venegas, Elijah Venegas, Taylor Akins, and Alejandro Venegas. Honorary Pallbearer include:: Eduardo Venegas, Arturo Venegas, Aris Akins, Nando Venegas, Julian Donato, Henry Dawson, Jesus "Tuty" Garcia, Mario Hernandez, Ramon Galindo, Rene Aguilar, Rey Gonzales, Bryan Heflin, Trace Moore and Eric Spangler.
Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor and condolences may be sent to the family at www.fs-fp.com.