Jesse N. Hernandez

Mass of Christian Burial for Jesse N. Hernandez, 90, Lawrence will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. He passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at his home.

Jesse was born December 25, 1927, in Topeka, KS, the son of Candelario and Apolonia (Rivas) Hernandez.

He was a long-time member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, an avid sports fan and a music enthusiast.

He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad early in his career and for the Lawrence USD 497 School System for 37 years until he retired in 1990.

He married Juanita Romero on November 24, 1945 in Topeka, KS. Jesse and Juanita passed away on the same day after 72 loving years of marriage.

Survivors include his sons, Philip (Margaret) Hernandez, Kansas City, KS; Joe (Becky) Hernandez, Topeka, KS; Tony (Marsha) Hernandez, Birmingham, AL; daughter, Rita (Gary) Avery, Lawrence; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and sister, Teresa Schwartz, Lawrence.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Anita Hernandez; brothers, Pedro Hernandez, Joe Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez; and sisters, Soledad Hernandez and Carmen Gutierrez.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2018 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to VNA Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

7 Condolences

  1. Mary Demeritt Gordon on January 27, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    I am so very saddened about the passing of Jesse and Jane I taught kindergarten at New York School and got to know and love them both. Mr. H., as we lovingly called him, would quickly stop and throw both hands up into the air if we called to him down the hall. Then turn back and come to our aid–always with a smile on his face. Jane helped him often after school. Both were the kindest and sweetest people one could ever know.
    I feel very blessed that I got to see him on January 19 when he was in the hospital. I will always remember him saying, “I am 90 years old, Mrs. Gordon.” We reminisced about many teachers who were at New York School in the 1960’s. He remembered them all and where each one’s room was located.
    We have lost two angels, but heaven has gained two. It is ironic and yet totally rational that they both passed away on the same day–how could one go on without the other? My deepest sympathy goes to their children, grandchildren, and all their family members.

    With love and gratitude for their lives.
    Mary Gordon



  2. Betty Sheppard on January 28, 2018 at 1:29 am

    I remember him well. He was the best! Very sad to hear of his passing! I am sure Heaven has a new Angel! Take care Mr Hernandez! Betty Sheppard



  3. Gary L. Wheeler on January 28, 2018 at 5:12 am

    Thinking of you, my prayers and blessings, Rita and Gary



  4. Lori Hermosillo-Eslary on January 28, 2018 at 11:05 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the Hernandez and Romero family.
    Jesse and Jenny will truly be missed, two wonderful and giving people.
    Our family always looked forward to their visits to Denver, Colorado.
    Always remember their beautiful smiles, especially Jesse’s laughter and his jokes.
    GOD bless their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren.
    Also Jenny’s siblings, my cousins.
    Keep in your hearts, those many, loving, fond, wonderful and beautiful memories.
    Love ~ Cousin Lori Hermosillo-Eslary & Steve



  5. Jon Leines on January 30, 2018 at 7:44 am

    Tony — I’m so sorry to hear this news and I will be praying for you and your family at this very difficult time (2 Ptr. 1:16-21). I remember your Dad was always so kind to me at school & music events, and he was always smiling! 72 years together — what an incredible example your Mom & Dad set for all of us!!



  6. Leonard Hermosillo (Barbara) on January 31, 2018 at 7:56 am

    We need like these two especially today they are the epitome of how my parents raised us. (George and Mary Hermosillo) The Romero’s are my cousins and we got along so well what a blessing for our family.
    All those years that we went to Kansas with my parents it was always a great time for us, my cousins always treated us with lots of love and respect.
    My aunt and uncle always made the Hermosillo’s welcome at their house I remember the great meals and my observations of how their family loved and adored them. From the oldest to the youngest you could see why.
    Jenny and Jesse will always be special to me we will miss them and their love of family what a special gift our parents gave to us.



  7. Joe Flannery on February 3, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    What a Gift Jesse’s life was to so many. I had the pleasure to work with and get to know him while working a summer for Facilities & Maintenance for USD 497.
    He made it a joy to come to work everyday. Always smiling, positive and so proud of Juanita and his Family. Whenever we would see one another over the years his infectious enthusiasm was always present. He was one special person.



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