Paul Ruben Hernandez

PAUL RUBEN HERNANDEZ SR. SOUTHPORT, IN Paul Ruben Hernandez, Sr. passed away on February 16, 2013 at home with his loving family by his side. A Gary, Indiana, born native, Ruben was 84 and born on June, 6, 1928. Ruben had been a resident of Southport, Indiana for the past 20 years, having also lived in Gary, Merrillville, and Crown Point. He was the son of Martin Hernandez and Rosa Limon Carvajal, both originally from Jalisco, Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: David, Peter and Jesus; and two sisters: Alicia and Esperanza. Ruben is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marjorie Ruth (Allendorf), whom he married in Gary on July 30, 1949. He is also survived by three sons: Paul (Amy), Peter (Debbie), and James (Janet); and one daughter, Janet (Hernandez) Garritano. In addition, he is survived by 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a special "buddy," Layne DeHart. A 1947 graduate of Froebel High School in Gary, Ruben was also Senior Class President. He started his work career as a watchmaker and jeweler for Troxel Jewelers in Gary before going to work at U.S. Steel and later CTG as a computer systems programmer and analyst until retirement. He also worked at home as an engraver for numerous jewelry stores in the Gary area. He was very involved as a volunteer and scorekeeper with Junedale Little League in Gary with his sons, and with Southport Little League in Indy with his grandchildren. Both Ruben and his wife, Marge volunteered in countless ways at Jeremiah Gray Edison Elementary and Mary Bryan Elementary for nine years, with both being honored and recognized numerous times, and most recently with the Jim and Vivian Leach Volunteer Award in 2012 by the Perry Township Schools for their hours of dedication and volunteer work. Ruben also volunteered as a Spanish translator in school meetings for local Hispanic families. Ruben was a caring, compassionate and loving husband, father, and man, and his passing will be mourned by all who knew and loved him. He represented the best of what it means to be a human being. He had a golden heart and touched all he knew with his kindness, benevolence, and sense of humor. He laughed and made others laugh, too. He devoted his life, heart, and soul to his family and friends, and was especially involved in their sporting activities, be it baseball, basketball, or hockey. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Indiana University basketball. Ruben was also a self taught computer expert and loved working his crossword puzzles. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 18, 2013 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. (EST) at the G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home, located at 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. Following a memorial service at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 19, at 10:00 a.m. (EST), burial will take place at the Gardens at Olive Branch Park at 1605 S. State St., Route 135, Greenwood, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to the Community Home Health Services (Hospice).