John Hernandez, a descendant of the Tohono O’odham tribe in the region of Northern Mexico and Arizona and a lifelong resident of the southern Central Valley, died on November 29, 2021 in Visalia, CA at the age of 66 after battling COVID-19.
John was proceeded in death by his parents Brigido and Maria C. Hernandez, and the following siblings: Christina Mendoza (nee Velasquez), Emilia Marquez (nee Velasquez) and Viola Mejardo (nee Velasquez).
John is survived by the following family: his two children, John Hernandez and Robert Hernandez; two grand children Chloe Hernandez and Isabella Hernandez; and the following siblings: Manuel B. Hernandez Sr., Joe Velasquez, David Velasquez, George Velasquez, Fernando Velasquez, Fidel Velasquez, Samuel (Sammy) Velasquez, Daniel (Danny) Velasquez, Frankie Velasquez; Mary Cardenas (nee Velasquez), Crusita (Darlene) Washington (nee Velasquez) and Fidelia Velasquez
John Hernandez graduated from Delano High School where he was a member of their Cross Country and Track teams. Running was truly a passion of his. After graduation, John Hernandez served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War Era.
After returned to the Central Valley he worked as a police officer for various departments in the 1980s. Then in the early 1990’s he started Hernandez Private Security, a business that he saw grow and provide security throughout California.
John was a parishioner of the Mt. Zion Apostolic Church in Visalia, CA. In his personal time he was an avid World Wrestling Entertainment fan. John was devoted to volunteering and civic engagement. He joined the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he volunteered at many Memorial and Veterans Day festivities. He also supported the Central Valley Blood Center and various food pantries that supported the needs of the poor, migrant farmer, and agrarian communities.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and those whose lives he touched in the various endeavors.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Tulare County Food Link where they focus on education, advocacy, and food systems changes: http://foodlinktc.org/
A public viewing service is scheduled for Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 9:30am to 1pm at Miller Memorial Chapel on Goshen Ave. in Visalia, CA. Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Hernandez family.
