Juan Leon Hernandez

Juan Leon Hernandez, 82, of Radio Blvd., Carlsbad, NM, a loving husband, father and grandfather left his earthly dwelling on Sunday, September 21, 2014 to start his final preparation into the Kingdom of our Lord. He peacefully left surrounded with his wife and children by his side. Visitation will be 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2014, 7:00 PM at San Jose Catholic Church with Deacon Melvin Balderrama reciting. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2014, 10:00 AM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Pasala Hruday Kumar celebrating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Juan Leon Hernandez was born May 6, 1932 in Marfa, Texas to Jose Olivas and Maria (Leon) Hernandez. In 1936 Juan moved with his parents and two siblings to Loving, NM, where he lived until he met and married the love of his life, Lydia (Lily) Najera on June 7, 1952. They made Carlsbad their home and had 8 children who also reside in Carlsbad. Juan served during the Korean Conflict until being honorably discharged. He worked for the potash mines for 30 years until he retired. Juan enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing bingo and going to casinos and had numerous hobbies. He was a jack-of-all trades. Juan had a vacation home in the Guadalupe Mountains (Queen) where he enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. He was always ready to pick up anyone of his 12 grandchildren from school or take them to football, baseball or soccer practices and after years of this he continued this loving care for his great-grandchildren. Juan was an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed and will never be forgotten. Thank you Dad! You rest now and enjoy seeing us from heaven. Juan was a parishioner of San Jose Catholic Church for over 50 years and was faithful to his hour of adoration. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8703. Juan was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ismael "May" Hernandez; sister, Elisa "Licha" Rodriguez and nephew, Ricky Hernandez. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lily Hernandez; 8 children: Cecilia Fierro and husband, Frank, Celina Hernandez, Cenia Ybarra, Sylvia Jimenez and husband, Rocky; John Hernandez, Jack Hernandez and wife, Lorina, Joel Hernandez, Jerome Hernandez and wife, Graciela all of Carlsbad, NM; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren with # 15 on the way; sisters: Socorro Hernandez of Holister, California, Maria "Tichi" Rodriguez of San Jose, California, Hilda Salmon of San Jose, California; brothers: Oscar Hernandez of Albuquerque, NM, Jose "Junie" Hernandez of Loving, NM, Armando Hernandez of El Mirage, AZ, Fernando "Fernie" Hernandez and wife, Brenda and numerous nephews and nieces. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Rolando Ybarra, Fabian Ybarra, Nathan Ybarra, Hector Jimenez, Jake Hernandez, Joseph Hernandez, Juan Carlos Hernandez, Max Hernandez and Gerard Hernandez. Honorary pallbearers are his great-grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the V.F.W. Post 8703, 1916 San Jose Blvd., Carlsbad, NM 88220 or Meals On Wheels, c/o San Jose Senior Center, P.O. Box 1569, Carlsbad, NM 88221-1569. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.