It would be hard to imagine Julian S. Hernandez ever backing down from a fight. As a young man he was tough, bold, very strong and always ready for a good challenge. By the age of 19 he was drafted into the military during the VietNam War. Known for his feats of strength and tough demeanor once he picked up 130 pounds with one hand after being taunted by weight lifters twice his size in the army. With a single motion he flung the barbell high above his shoulders in defiant victory as they stood in wonder. His spirit was unshakable and his passion unstoppable.

But he was also an artist…gentle hands that could draw portraits with such artistic flair that it once caught the attention of at least one world famous painter. As children some of us learned to draw and paint from this warrior. But life took him in a different direction and he became known as a gifted mechanic who many felt could fix almost anything that was broken. If your car was broken, you could always count on Julian to fix it.

In 1974 he married his one and only love and partner, Martina and for the next 45 years they added to their family two children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. In 1981 he met Jesus Christ and immediately the warrior joined the army of God, fighting the good fight of faith and boldly proclaiming that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. And a different person emerged…a gentle warrior…ready to fight for God and the family he loved. The change was so dramatic and complete that friends who had not seen him in years could hardly recognize him. In his first public testimony there was not a dry eye in the auditorium.

That passion would be his strength for the next 40 years as many relatives, Pastors and friends sought him out for his friendship and wise counsel. Always ready with a dimpled smile (or was it a silly grin?), we saw him grow in grace and love for his wife and children; becoming a spiritual father to hundreds of lost and wounded warriors whose journey he knew so well.

Two weeks ago, as a deadly virus swept through the state, he was admitted to the hospital one last time. Immediately social media came alive and hundreds, if not thousands, of family and friends began to pray from different parts of the country. Knowing that his time was short and without anyone knowing he ordered gifts for all his family… farewell presents specifically chosen for each loved one. Before the gifts arrived that evening, that morning, Julian fought his last battle…and won.

Some men are born with an unstoppable, unshakable spirit; raising their hands in victory above their shoulders to let the world know their passion, their strength and their enduring love. For many Julian was a down to earth friend and a spiritual counselor. For us, we will always remember him as a husband, father figure, brother, and friend who loved God with all his might and who served his friends and family…as a gentle warrior.

Julian S. Hernandez, 72 of Robstown, Texas finished his race on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. He is preceded in death by his Father – Jose M. Hernandez, Mother – Virginia S. Hernandez, Father-in -Law – Francisco Valenzuela, Mother-in-Law – Julia Vargas Valenzuela, Sister – Bernadina H. Aleman (husband, Maximino Aleman), Brother – Gabriel Hernandez (wife, Faustina), Sister – Juanita Hernandez, Brother-in-Law – Michael Ray Guerrero, and Sister-in-Law – Martina Gomez Valenzuela. He is survived by his Wife – Martina V. Hernandez, Daughter – Peggy V. Hatcher (husband, David), Son – Adam Julian Hernandez (wife, Jennah), Brother – Roberto Hernandez (wife, Benita), Sister – Cecilia Silvas (husband, Atanacio), Brother – Jose Pedro Hernandez, Brother – Juan Hernandez (wife, Alma), Brother – Ricardo Hernandez, Sister – Maggie Ramirez (husband, Ricky), Sister – Elida Mendez (husband, Leopoldo), Brother – Ernesto Hernandez (wife, Maria), Sister – Esther Gomez (husband, Juan), Sister – Terry Luna (husband, Rocky), Sister – Dora Guerrero, Brother-in-Law – Francisco Valenzuela Jr. (wife, Michelle), Brother-in-Law – Carlos Valenzuela, Brother-in-Law – Jose Angel Valenzuela (wife, Melissa), 5 Grandchildren (Gianni Villarreal-Hernandez, Roxanne Byerly, Carolyn Hatcher-Partin, Juliana Frances Hatcher and Isadora Virginia Hatcher), 4 Great-grandchildren (Eleanor Hatcher-Partin, Gwendolyn Byerly, Amelia Byerly, and Penelope Byerly), numerous nieces, nephews and adoptive children.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service, however, there will be an Honor Guard Ceremony at Coastal Bend State Veteran's Cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Access Road, Corpus Christi Texas, 78410 at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 20th, 2020 followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony at his daughter's home.