Gilbert C. Hernandez was called home by our Lord Sunday, March 27, 2016. He was 79 years old.
Lovingly known to many as Beto, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a selfless and hard-working man who could easily keep up with men half his age. Everyone admired his strength and work ethic. He was happiest working with his hands and throughout his career, he worked as a laborer, ironworker, rigger, and boilermaker all over the country. Even after retirement and until the last years of his life, you could find him doing various lawn jobs and other home projects. Beto had an ear for music and could play pretty much any instrument he tried, including guitar, bass, saxophone, and piano. He loved Tejano and Conjunto music. As a teenager and young man, he traveled around West Texas as a musician. Above all, Beto was a provider who took care of his family, whether it was making sure his children had what they needed to live and succeed or devotedly caring for his wife in the last years of her life.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Velia Hernandez; parents, Paul C. and Leonor C. Hernandez; brothers, Herman Hernandez and David Hernandez; and daughters-in-law Janie Hernandez and Sandra Hernandez.
He is survived by his children, Ruben Hernandez of Corpus Christi, TX, Steven Hernandez, Sr., of Corpus Christi, TX, Marcy Hernandez of Corpus Christi, TX, Elisa (Pete Sanchez) Hernandez of San Antonio, TX, Gilbert (Dahlia) Hernandez, Jr. and Albert Hernandez, both of Houston, TX, and Melissa (Eric Pena) Hernandez of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Abigail Perez, Marbella Hernandez, Steven Hernandez, Jr., Xiomara Hernandez, Moises Abraham Perez IV, BellaLuz Hernandez, and Isabella Hernandez; brother, Ernest Hernandez of Abilene, TX; and sisters, Enedina Martinez of St. Louis, MO and Elva (Felipe) Lopez of Abilene, TX.
The family would like to thank Ricky Madsen, Allen Joseph, Gerhard Watt, and Greg Hood for their unconditional love and respect for our father. We're thankful that he was blessed with such kind and loyal friends.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 2 p.m. for family and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the public with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m at Guardian Funeral Home at 5922 Crosstown Access Rd. Funeral services will start at 11:00 a.m on Friday, April 1, 2016 with a chapel service at Guardian Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.