David Hernandez

David did not rush anything. Perhaps it was because he wanted to have fun, meet people, and keep track of all the minute details, like the time, place, and people he met on the journey. He never forgot the details of our first home in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was born on October 29, 1963. He could easily recall the address, neighbors, and even the color of the house over sixty years later. While these details may not be important to you or me, they are what made David so special. David could recall the day he first introduced himself, and when you next got together, he would share with you what made that day so unique for him. David made everyone feel like family, and everyone knew him.

In his first few years, David suffered hearing loss and he wore hearing aids. Eventually his hearing returned, and he became fascinated by sounds. One of his first words was, “fan,” and he was fascinated by engine noises. In 1968 he and the family moved to Houston, a bigger city that offered greater opportunity. Though his development was slow, David completed high school and began working clerical jobs in the local schools in HISD and later FBISD.

David was the youngest son of a large, extended family. He is survived by his mother Carmen F. Hernandez, four brothers Carlos, Frank, Phillip, and Thomas Hernandez, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. In addition, he would consider the countless friends across the variety of organizations of which he was a member to be family. He joined the Special Olympics in 1975 and competed in sports like basketball, bowling, swimming, and athletics until his death.

David was also a member of the ARC, and he enjoyed numerous events over his nearly 50-years of participation. It is through the ARC that he learned to dance, and he was always ready to boot, scoot, and boogie. At his sixtieth birthday party he was on the dance floor the entire time. Always the gracious host, he thanked everyone for joining in the celebration. It was his special day, and he made sure it was a wonderful time.

David worked in clerical roles across the local school districts for almost 40 years. After retiring in 2023, he volunteered in the local schools. He enjoyed setting up his phone and computer with the newest apps and tools. You could get the latest weather forecast and traffic alerts from him, and he would be the first to wish you a happy birthday with a video greeting card. He was also learning to play the piano. He enjoyed learning something new and would be happy to share what he learned.

David learned horseback riding at Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship and participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo winning and placing in the Top Hands competition. He always looked for new things to do and did his best at everything he tried.

Alongside his parents, Carlos Hernandez Jr. and Carmen F. Hernandez, David was active in many church related activities. You could find him counting collections at church on Sundays. When his parents ministered at nursing homes, he assisted patients to get to the meeting room. Most recently he volunteered at the Saint Theresa School library twice a week. Church service and ministry were important aspects of his character. David prayed the rosary daily with his parents and said many prayers for all of us.

Throughout his lifetime, David lived with his mother and father. After Dad’s passing in 2017, David lived and cared for his mother. He was an accomplished cook, and his nephews recall his pancakes as a real delicacy. With David around, Mom was well cared for and looked after. Caring for Mom was a real concern for David. As he entered the ER the night before he died, David asked, “who will care for Mom?”

David was never really in a rush to get somewhere despite his countless activities and interests. It is surprising that he left us so suddenly, considering he never raced to get anyplace. The journey was part of the experience for him. We know one thing for sure – you go when God calls you home. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

David died on February 3, 2024, at around 4:30 p.m., just in time for Saturday Mass. We will miss you, David. Say, “Hi” to Dad.

A visitation will be on Monday, February 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Blvd in Sugar Land.

Immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share memories of David during a reception in the community center at St. Theresa Catholic Church.

The Rite of Committal will follow, via funeral procession to South Park Cemetery in Pearland.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider the organizations that were special to David.

The ARC of Greater Houston (www.aogh.org)

The ARC of Fort Bend (www.arcoffortbend.org)

St. Theresa Catholic School Sugar Land (sttheresacatholicschool.org)

Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship (www.reiningstrength.org)