Joe “Chepi” V. Hernandez, 86, was called by our Lord Jesus Christ on August 31, 2021, in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on January 15, 1935, in Tempe, AZ. He was preceded by the love of his life, his beloved wife Betty Acker Hernandez of 61 years. He is survived by his siblings: Francis, Bobbie and Mary; along with his loving children: Theodore (Inga), Joe (Melanie), David (Elizabeth), Michael (Monica) and daughter Beatrice; as well as, 17 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and embraced Rudy Romo.
In first grade, Joe’s school job was a school monitor called Jr. Ranger for Monroe school in downtown Phoenix. He called it his “elite job.” He worked with his family in the fields picking vegetables and irrigating at a young age. He also worked for Tovrea Stockyards in Phoenix, Az. He also had the privilege to work for Roy Harris Jr. and family in roofing, now operated by David Harris his son; Valley of the Sun Roofing. On weekends Joe worked with 2 of his sons at Western Sales Auction, which at the time was owned, and operated by Ed and Betty Short.
In 1957, as our family started to grow, our Pa started working for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a custodian. He worked hard, advancing his way up to becoming a mechanic supervisor, and retiring after 32 ½ wonderful years. He obtained his GED in his forties and enrolled in managerial classes at Phoenix College. After he retired, he worked for Chief Auto Parts as an auditor.
Our dad loved the outdoors, he tremendously enjoyed fishing, hunting, and practice shooting, especially with his sons and close friends. His hobbies included learning and performing magic tricks and creating welded works of art, that he created with his supreme imagination.
Joe was a loyal servant of our Lord Jesus, and he did his best to teach his family about the importance of prayer. He was an active parishioner at St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish, and assisted with the adult religious education classes, preparing many adults for their sacraments. He had many wonderful friends and neighbors, who he loved to socialize with at gatherings and visits at his home.
Joe loved being a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and neighbor, cherishing all those he loved to the very end of his time on earth. We will truly miss him dearly. God bless you “Pa”, “Tata”, and “Chepi”. Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 P.M., with a Rosary at 6:00 P.M., on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 320 N. 20th Drive, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com