Henry L. Fernandez

Henry L. Fernandez, 78, of Sandia Street, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016. There will be no public visitation. A vigil will be held Thursday, October 13, 2016, 7:00 PM, at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM, Friday, October 14, 2016 at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Valentine Jankowski, O.F.M. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery (new section), Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Henry Luna Fernandez was born to Hipolito and Frances (Luna) Fernandez on September 19, 1938 in Carlsbad, NM, where he was raised. He played for the Carlsbad Cavemen Baseball team and his positions were shortstop and centerfield. Henry was MVP and went to state. He was also a damn good quarterback for the Carlsbad Cavemen football team all his high school years. Henry graduated in 1957 and went to the University of New Mexico and New Mexico Highland College in Las Vegas. Henry was then drafted by two professional baseball teams: St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Braves which are now called the Atlanta Braves. After returning home, he served his country in the US Army for two years during Cuban Crisis. His rank was SPEC-4. Henry also served at Ft. Hood for two years, Reserve for two years and two years with the National Guard. He was sent 2nd A-D to Ft. Steward, GA. During Cuban Crisis in 1962 and met President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1962. Henry married Jolie (Olguin) Fernandez on May 2, 1965. He became a Shorthorn baseball coach for several years, coaching his two sons. He continued to play Fast Pitch League for 10 years and was a pitcher for his team. Henry was always a hard worker and worked for numerous mines as a supervisor up until retirement. He loved listening to Jazz music and playing his Bongos. He was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. Henry devoted his time to San Jose Catholic Church as a groundskeeper. He was also a member of San Jose Catholic Church and American Legion Post #7. Next to his daughter, his other pride and joy was his yard. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Hipolito and Frances Fernandez; brother, Bobby Fernandez and sister, Rachael F. Smith. Survivors are his wife of 51 years, Jolie Fernandez of Carlsbad, NM; daughter: Shelley F. Collins and husband, James of Carlsbad, NM; sons: Larry Fernandez of Albuquerque, NM and Gerald Fernandez of Carlsbad, NM; brothers: Jerry and Danny Fernandez of Carlsbad, NM; sister, Pearl F. Griego and husband, Sammy of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren: Brooke Collins and Tanner Collins of Carlsbad, NM and Taylor Ruiz of Hobbs, NM, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Terry Smith, Dominic Smith, Eric Griego, Sammy Griego, Eric Chavez, and Tony Urquidez, Sr. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.