Robert C. Fernandez

Called away to the greatest gig of his lifetime, Robert "Gordy" Fernandez, a long standing Tejano music advocate for the San Angelo area died Saturday, January 14, 2017. He was born January 1, 1954. He passed away at his home surrounded by family.

He leaves his loving father, Juan Fernandez. He also leaves siblings Teresa Terrazas and husband Mike, Elsa Rodriguez and husband Roy and his baby brother, Johnny Fernandez. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; Michelle Chapa, Jason Fernandez, Lisa Terrazas, Andrew Fernandez, Roy Rodriguez JR, and Lorenzo Rodriguez. He is preceded in death by his strong mother, Anita Fernandez, his older brothers Jose and Mike "Gordo" Carillo, sister Yolanda, brother Juan, and grandparents, Julian Mata and Josefa Dominguez Mata, and Eligio Jolguin and Emilia Fernandez.

His love of music began at an early age and soon he learned to play instruments including the saxophone. He continued to play the Alto Sax in High School for the San Angelo Central High School Bobcat band and during his college years at Angelo State University for the Golden Ram Band.

Around 1971, Robert and his very good friend John Fuentes formed a band with a circle of friends called "Los Tejanos". They were affectionately known around town as "Los Tejanitos". Starting out small and with the help of his family to purchase instruments for the band, they were soon on their way to play local gigs. Robert Fernandez and "Los Tejanos" would stay busy with local shows when they weren't traveling to areas such as New Orleans, cities in Oklahoma and several West Texas towns and cities. Concerts got bigger and so did his promoting business. He organized successful Tejano and Country concerts that took place at venues from the San Angelo Riverstage to the San Angelo Coliseum. He promoted several artists and his band opened up for many well known Tejano acts such as Selena, Little Joe Y La Familia, Mazz and La Mafia. Robert made sure his band was very diverse and played a variety of music. From Top 40 hits to Country, they played it all. On the Country music circuit, his band opened up for some very well known artists such as Willie Nelson, Steve Wariner and Eddy Raven. In 1981 the band recorded an album in Corpus Christi called "Los Tejanos Presentan El Charro Negro."

Robert made several lifelong friends throughout the community and was very well known. He was jokingly called the "the Mayor of San Angelo". He was very active in promoting his parents establishment Fernandez Restaurant and could be found during the lunch hours busy greeting and talking to customers. He enjoyed playing in a local pool league and traveling when he wasn't playing shows.

Robert has left a long standing legacy that will not be forgotten. He was known as an advocate for Tejano music and made it a point to bring bands to the area that might not have come without his support. The day Robert passed thousands took to social media to share their favorite memories and love for Robert. He was remembered for being a mentor, a great friend, an advocate and our personal favorite "a legend." His memory will live on through his music, his family and thousands of friends he made over his lifetime.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Robert's life in their own way-raising a glass of your favorite drink to his memory or perhaps by even taking one of Roberts favorite shots-the Kamikaze!

We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the entire staff of Shannon Hospital at the St Johns Campus Dialysis Center, his physicians Dr. Michael Cornell, Dr. Scott Westmoreland and Dr. Anthony De Mory. Robert was so fortunate to have wonderful friends who visited and called him frequently during the last year of his illness and we are forever grateful to them.

Instead of flowers, we ask that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness to someone in his name. We will miss his sense of humor and his love of life, but we find comfort in knowing Robert can rest and is no longer suffering. His legend will live on.

"Colour my world with hope of loving you" -Chicago

A rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, San Angelo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Interment will follow in the Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. George Sedeno, George Martinez, Ramon Vasques, Terry Griffin, Frank "Pepo" Sedeno, Jr., and Waldo Cedillo will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are encouraged to share photos and memories as well as sign the onlne guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo.