Mateo Hernandez

Mateo “Matthew” Hernandez died unexpectedly May 5, 2016, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be at 10am, Monday, May 9, at Latin American United Methodist Church, 1320 Webster Ave, Waco, with Pastor Javier Leyva officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 6 pm, Sunday May 8, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco.

Matthew was born November 1, 1932 in Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Manuel and Maria de Jesus Hernandez. He was one of five children.

Welcoming him into the Lord’s Kingdom will be the love of his life, Josie, whom he married on December 17, 1953. Their earthly marriage lasted 51 years until her death on August 20, 2005. He mourned her death until his passing. Matthew and Josie’s wedded bliss was a true love story.

Matthew worked many years at Jewel Concrete Products until his retirement. His dedication to his faith molded him into a caring son, a loving husband, a devoted brother, and a perfect role model for his three sons. His love for all his family was what he cherished the most. Everyone who knew Matthew knew he loved life. He was a jokester with an uncanny wit that has now been passed on to his future generations. His short time on earth has made it a better place.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife and mother to his children, Josie, his parents, his brother Ruben Hernandez, and his sister Rachel Padilla.

He is survived by his sons, Rodolfo (Rudy) and wife Diana of Bruceville, Steve and wife Phylicia of Lorena, and Tomas and wife Sylvia of Round Rock, Texas. Left behind to continue his legacy are his grandchildren, Amanda Hernandez, Jessica Hernandez Alford, Rudy Hernandez Jr. and wife Lia, Angela Hernandez, Sylvia Hernandez, Keith Hernandez and wife Jessica, Christina Hernandez, Rachel Hernandez, and Julio Hernandez. He leaves behind his great-grandchildren Elena Alford, Liam Alford, Sarai Hernandez, and Matthew Blanton. He is also survived by his partners in mischief, sisters Angelina Jimenez, Susie Bass and husband Nelson. Also, sister-in-law Helen Hernandez, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who were also sprinkled by his love and affection. We can’t forget his beloved blind duck, Quack-Quack.
Pallbearers will be Chavelo Jimenez, Rumaldo Jimenez, Randy Hernandez, Miguel (Mike) Jimenez, Giovanni (Gino) Padilla, Frank Jimenez, Rudy Hernandez Jr., and Keith Hernandez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Julio Hernandez, Liam Alford, and Matthew Blanton.

Matthew will be sorely missed here on earth but has been joyously accepted in heaven. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Matthew’s memory may be directed to the Latin American United Methodist Church, 1320 Webster Ave., Waco, TX 76701.

A special thank you goes to his sisters for caring for him beyond belief. You two meant so much to him; he looked forward to your little road trips. May God continue to bless you immensely. Thank you also to Pastor Javier Leyva for his pastoral care to both dad and mom in their time of need.