Joe Hernandez

Joe Hernandez was born in Huntington Beach, California on September 13, 1927 to Joe and Tomasa Hernandez. He died on April 26, 2020, at the age of 92. He is survived by his son Anthony; his daughter Christine and son-in-law Javier and their three children: David, Kari and Kristen; his great-granddaughter Frankie; his sister Lucy and several nieces and nephews. He was a long-time resident of Huntington Beach.

Joe grew up in a large family in La Colonia Juarez, in Fountain Valley, California. He had six sisters: Amelia, Lupe, Rose, Ramona, Irene and Lucy; and three brothers: Raymond, Fermin and Lee. His father, who was a farmer, passed away in 1936 and his mother followed in 1944.

Joe grew up in a Catholic family and maintained his faith in God throughout his lifetime.

He served in the United States Army from January 1946 to April 1947. He was a private in the 209th Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. He served overseas in Japan from July 1946 through March 1947. His basic training was at Fort Bliss in Texas where he was trained on the 50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun. He received a World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He was honorably discharged at Camp Beale in California and was recommended for further military training.

After returning home to Orange County from the military he purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed riding it on the open road with his biking buddies.

After working as a house and structural mover for several years, Joe went to work for CJ Segerstrom and Sons in Costa Mesa, California where he worked as a farmer on the Segerstrom ranch. He would later move up the ranks to become the supervisor of the farming operations where he worked closely with Harold Segerstrom in the agriculture operations. He retired from Segerstrom in 1995.

He liked to stay busy and had many hobbies. He enjoyed maintaining and repairing cars, such as his 1964 Chevy, as well as large Catepiller tractors. He enjoyed doing some woodworking, creating practical items for friends and family. He prided himself on keeping fit and also liked to play a bit of golf.

Joe was an honest, hardworking, independent and self-sufficient person. He will be missed by all his family and friends he has left behind.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary (Westminster, California) including chapel and graveside services.

Services will be private due to State and Local Mandate regarding COVID-19, and only a very limited number people are permitted to attend. Sincere apologies are extended to family and friends who will not be able to attend these services. Please call for further information.