Thomas Carmona Hernandez

Thomas Carmona "Tommy" Hernandez age 75, retired Galveston and Texas A & M Police Officer passed away peacefully Sunday, December 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Galveston. Funeral Mass is planned for 10:00am Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Mausoleum in Galveston under the direction of Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston. The family will receive visitors from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church where a rosary a prayer service will be held at 6:30pm.

Thomas was born on September 22, 1950, in Galveston, Texas, to Jesse and Rachel Hernandez. Known to many as "Tommy," he attended Galveston Catholic School and was a graduate of Ball High School.

Tommy proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1974 as a medic, stationed in Korea with the 51st Medical Group, 5th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces Command. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

After returning home to Galveston, Tommy met the love of his life and soulmate, Juana Armandina Fierro Hernandez, whom he married and shared 44 wonderful years with.

Tommy dedicated 28 years of service to the Galveston Police Department, where he was affectionately known among fellow officers as "Bear." Following his retirement, he continued serving the community as a campus police officer at Texas A&M University, eventually retiring once more.

Tommy found great joy in playing poker and watching football with his brothers and extended family. Later in life, he enjoyed playing bingo, where he made many new friends. He was also well known for his daily visits to his favorite store, Walmart. Tommy was a respectful, honorable, trusting, and loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. His soft smile and gentle heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on through his family.

Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juana; his parents; and his granddaughter, Kiersten B. Quintanilla.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Hernandez; granddaughter, Lia Marie Quintanilla; grandson, Michael Thomas Quintanilla; sisters and brothers: Margie (Albert) Chavarria, Sheila Ramirez (Dave Lewis), Jesse Jr. Hernandez (Shelly Gautreau), Trinidad (Sylvia) Hernandez, and Theresa Hernandez; brothers-in-laws Santiago Fierro and Francisco Fierro; along with many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren whom he treasured throughout his life.

Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Chavarria Jr, Jesse Hernandez III, Gabriel Garza, Martin Fierro, Francisco Fierro and George Willis Clayton.