Obituary of Thomas P. Hernandez

EDINBURG — Thomas P. Hernandez, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and a great friend to all, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2013 at Arbor View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Edinburg, surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Brady, Texas to Juan and Salome Hernandez. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy and fought in several islands in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Tom returned to Brady, finished high school and went on to attend the then San Marcos Teachers College in San Marcos, Texas where he obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education and Administration. In 1950, he came to Edinburg where he met and married the love of his life, Dora Rutledge. He taught in the Edinburg School District for 38 years. Tom retired from teaching at the age of 58 to enjoy gardening, golf, and trips to the American Legion in Edinburg. Tom is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Guadalupe, Simon, Felix; and his oldest sister, Cristina Elgueseba. Tom is survived by his wife, Dora; and his pride and joy, his two daughters, Denise Carranza (Joseph) and Jenise Diaz; his adored grandchildren, Salvador Marcos Hinojosa, (Venessa), Marina Gonzalez (Eli), Hector Thomas Diaz, Christyn -Jo and Cathryn Carranza; and two great-grandchildren, Maia and Abram Flores. He also leaves behind three sisters, Angela Lolatte, Mary Gonzalez and Janie Gonzalez all from San Antonio; and brothers-in-law, Edward Rutledge (Connie) and Fred Rutledge (Arlene). Tom is also survived by his "sobrino favorito" as he lovingly called him, Frank Elgueseba (Mary) and several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a visitation with the family between the hours of five o'clock and nine o'clock in the evening on Thursday, October 10th, 2013, at Legacy Chapels in Edinburg. A holy rosary will take place at seven o'clock in the evening and will be available online at www.legacychapelsrgv.com. Funeral Mass will commence at one o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, October 11th, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.Many special thanks to Arbor View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.