Robert H. Fernandez

Born January 12th 1950, in La Junta Colorado, to Dora Hurtado and Julio Fernandez. Robert was the fourth son of eight children. Brothers Julio, Ruben, Alfred, Steven, Sister Evelyn, Mark, and brother George.

In 1967, Robert enlisted in the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War.

June 16, 1968, Robert met the love of his life, Lilia (Lily) Ramos. A story he loved telling to his kids and grandkids.

August 12 of 1968, he was sent to Vietnam where he worked as a Combat Engineer aka “Tunnel Rat” as he loved to call it. During his 16-month stay in Vietnam, he and Lily never lost contact.

November 28th, 1970, Bobby and Lily confirmed their love in front of their friends and loved ones.

In 1971, they welcomed their first child, Robert Fernandez Jr.

Bobby took on various jobs to support his family, all while attending college at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Shortly after welcoming their second child Adriana, Bobby decided to join the El Paso Fire Department in 1975.

Their family continued to grow thru the years, welcoming their third and fourth children, daughter Amanda Loya (1982) and youngest daughter Alexandra Fernandez (1986). A short time later he became a grandpa. He loved being a grandpa. He was quick to brag about every one of his grandkids.

He retired after serving 23 years in the El Paso Fire Department in October 1998. After this he took on various jobs to keep himself occupied; including substitute Special Education teacher and postman. He was a jack of all trades so to speak.

Despite any struggles he faced and any tragedies he encountered throughout his life, he always made sure to let his family know they were loved by him. If not by his bear hugs that you thought would never end, it was a big kiss on the cheek or even just a squeeze on the shoulder. His smile could light up a room, and his words of encouragement could make anyone feel like anything in this world was possible. He befriended anyone that he met, and never hesitated to say “that’s my friend”, even if it was just a neighbor that said hi to him in passing. Bobby was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He was loved by anyone and everyone that knew him. Bobby was always ready to lend a helping hand. He truly was selfless. The true definition of a gentleman. He is loved immensely and is greatly missed. The world is a beautiful place because of him.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Dora Hurtado and Julio Fernandez; brothers Julio Fernandez, and Alfred Fernandez; father and mother-in-law Ramon and Romelia Ramos, brother in law George Ramos; grandson Sebastian Reyes. He is survived by his brothers Ruben Fernandez, Steven Fernandez, and Mark Fernandez, sister Evelyn Zamudio, and brother George Olivo. His loving wife of 52 years Lilia Fernandez; his children Antonio Payan (wife Vickie Payan), Robert Fernandez (wife Lorena Fernandez), Adriana Reyes (husband Alfred Reyes), Amanda Loya (husband Julio Loya), Alexandra Fernandez (wife Adriana Herrera); Grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his baby and faithful companion Maggie.

A visitation for Robert will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79936. A vigil will occur Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:00 PM, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, Texas 79936. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, El Paso, Texas 79925. A committal service will occur Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, Texas 79906.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crestviewfuneralhome.com for the Fernandez family.