Jan. 31, 1947 - May 27, 2022
Manuel D. Hernandez passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 at the age of 75.
He was born in Mathis to Manuel S. Hernandez and Concepcion (Concha) Perez Hernandez. Manuel married the love of his life, Enriqueta (Katy) Escobedo, on Dec. 7, 1969. Manuel graduated from Lubbock High School in 1967. Manuel enlisted in the Army in June 1967 and served in Vietnam from Dec. 10, 1967 through Dec. 2, 1968. Manuel received The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (1st Award) and Marksman Badge (rifle). Manuel worked for Lubbock Nut & Bolt for most of his life after returning from the military. He played guitar with his son, Gabriel, at the church of San Ramon, Woodrow, for many years. Manuel and Katy moved to Austin in 2008.
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Katy; children, Katherine (Kevin), Danny (Melissa) and Gabe (Jessica); grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) and Lukas; greatgrandchildren, Catarina and Alessia; and his siblings, Pascual, Pita, Juanna, Olga and adopted brother Joe. He is also survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rev. Andrew and Celia Stafford of Schulenburg.
Visitation was held Monday, June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St., New Braunfels. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, June 21 at 9 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 245 S. Hidalgo, New Braunfels. Interment followed at 10:45 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in Shelter #5. Officiant was Rev. Francois Rakotovoavy, M.S.F. Pallbearers were Danny Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Lukas Hernandez, Joshua Johnson, Kevin Russell and Johnny Bures.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels.