Apolonio G. Hernandez Sr. was born May 10, 1943, in Del Rio, Texas. He is preceded by his youngest son, Felix Hernandez; granddaughter Sarah A. Hernandez; his parents, Felix Hernandez and Maria Hernandez; and his younger sisters, Alpha Hernandez and Diana Gonzalez. He is survived by his wife Julia M. Hernandez; sons Apolonio Hernandez Jr., Jose J. Hernandez; daughters Pauline Hernandez and Patricia Hernandez; sons-in-law Kendal Craig, James N. Hector; daughters-in-law Argenie Hernandez and Deborah Carta; brother Felix Jr. Hernandez; sister Denise Hernandez; grandchildren Apolonio Hernandez III, Lorena Hernandez, Dawn Hernandez; great-grandchildren Marley Prieto, Audrey Hernandez and Lilith Hernandez; his aunt, Yolanda Elkins; plus many talented nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Apo grew up learning animal husbandry and farming from his father, Don Felix. He and his brother helped with farm chores, including dairy cows and growing fresh produce. He instilled his hard work ethic into his children. He was a graduate of Del Rio High School, 1960. He obtained an associate degree from Southwest Jr. College, Uvalde, Texas, before attending Sul Ross State College, Alpine, Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science in industrial arts, and met his wife Julia. After a few years of teaching under his belt he attended Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, where he received a Master of Arts in education administration.
He was an educator for over 40 years. He was also employed by Santa Fe Railroad when computer coding was in its infancy, impressing the company’s admin with his scheduling skills. The love of driving a tractor and agriculture remained a constant in his life. He helped establish the W.I.C. program in conjunction with farmer’s markets in the state of Texas. He loved to hunt and fish, often sharing his catch, and crop yields. He was renowned for his storytelling skills (some of which were true). Our hearts will ache for his company, and we will continue to acknowledge his presence through experiences that remind us of his humor, his MacGyver skills with bailing wire, his generosity, his fondness for all of nature, and his love for family.
