Hector R. Hernandez

Hector R. Hernandez, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. He lived in Moses Lake, Washington for 57 years. Viewing in repose will be Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Kayser’s Chapel, 831 S Pioneer Way. Rosary followed by Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road. Interment will follow at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Road L NE, Moses Lake, Washington.

Hector was born in 1950 in Hereford, Texas, son of the late Gregorio A. Hernandez and Genoveva Hernandez. Both parents passed away before he was 2, so he and his siblings were raised by their maternal grandmother Martha Rodriguez. They lived in Mathis, Texas for 10 years. Hector went to school and learned to speak English there. A terrible hurricane named Ella hit the region in 1958. The family had to evacuate to the school for three days along with about 300 people. After his grandmother’s death in 1960, he went to live with his uncle Florentino and aunt Juanita Rodriguez. In 1963, when Hector was in sixth grade, the family moved to Washington. He went to school in White Swan and Wapato. He worked in various agricultural fields including hops, beets, strawberries and whatever was in season. He loved the Native American culture and was sometimes mistaken for a native but never denied it.

In September of 1964 the family was traveling for work in California. There were 12 of them in a truck with a covered bed. A semi hit them from behind, killing four cousins and his brother, Lico. Hector sustained a broken back and spent two months in the hospital recovering. God in his divine intervention spared Hector’s life because he had greater plans for Hector. The family returned to Washington and Hector graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1971 at the age of 20. It took him longer because he missed so much school from the accident. He valued education and never missed an opportunity to attend the graduation ceremonies of all his children and grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud.

In 1972 Hector met the love of his life, Margarita Garcia. She invited him for coffee, and he wasn’t going to say no! She had five children from a previous marriage: Debbie, Bonnie, Danny, Leland, Jr “Noonie” and Mary. They got married after just six months on Nov. 4, 1972. Hector completely loved the children and never made a distinction between them and his own. Little Noonie was diagnosed with leukemia in 1969 and bravely battled for eight years. Hector’s quiet strength, patience and unconditional lovingkindness led the family during this difficult time. On Jan. 15, 1976, Little Noonie went home to the Lord. Hector always kept his memory alive, demonstrating his deep love. Hector and Margarita added Genoveva to their family in 1974, Florentino in 1977 and Isidra in 1984.

Hector worked in the agricultural industry all his life. He loved his job at Willow Drive and worked there for 35 years. He was loved by all and given the nickname El Cowboy, probably because he looked so handsome in his cowboy hat. Hector and Margarita had their marriage consecrated by the Catholic Church on March 26, 1977. Their spiritual journey was inspired by Noonie’s death and led them deeper in their faith. They made their first Cursillo in 1977. Hector continued ministering to others through the Cursillo movement. He was involved in planning and serving on many retreats during his life. He was active in the Ultrea meetings where members would pray and study the Bible. He enjoyed visiting lifelong friends he met through the church. Hector was presented a Key Award recognizing 40 years of service in the Cursillo movement. He was a faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church, served on the columbarium committee with Don Adolphson, assisted with funerals, and was a choir member under the direction of Johnny Joe Rodriguez. He played the tambourine, rattle percussion and a little guitar. He was known for being a handyman who learned to do most anything from fixing cars to painting houses, installing underground sprinklers and building decks and sheds. Over the years, Hector’s generous spirit brought countless people joy.

In 2010 Hector suffered a major cardiac arrest and was blessed to survive. He retired and had more time to enjoy the things he loved: family celebrations with his large extended family and cheering on the Seahawks and Mariners. He kept his yard beautifully trimmed and grew flowers for his wife to enjoy. Despite his heart trouble, he was able to stay active by creating bead rosaries and crosses for people. Every year he showed his joy through decorating for the holidays with lights and his famous creepy pumpkin scarecrow. He was known for his lively storytelling and ability to put people at ease and make them laugh. Hector’s unique gift to love unconditionally was his strength and will live forever in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Hector is survived by his wife Margarita G. Hernandez; children Debbie (Gerardo) Perez, Bonnie (Rey) Rodriguez, Danny (Jennifer) Jones, Mary (Eric) Hatfield, Genoveva (Robert) Ambris, Florentino G. (Chrissy) Hernandez and Isidra Hernandez (Jason Tusa); brothers Domingo Rodriguez and Luke Medlin; sister Josie Stevens; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and many special nieces and nephews,

He was preceded in death by his children Leland, Jr. (Little Noonie) and Cindy Jones, parents Gregorio and Genoeva Hernandez, grandmother Martha Rodriguez, brothers Gilbert (Virginia) Hernandez and Lico Hernandez, nephew Gilbert Hernandez, sister Rosita (Angel) Perez and grandson Juan M. Vasquez (Pooky).

Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.