Michael Hernandez

Michael Ray Hernandez, of Odessa, passed away on July 4, 2022, in Odessa, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, July 8, 2022, at First Baptist Church Odessa, with Pastor Curtis Brewer of McComb, Mississippi officiating.

Michael Hernandez was born in Fresno, California, to Reverend Elson and Mrs. Eva Hernandez on December 2, 1961. He graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, with his Bachelor of Arts degree and later received his Teacher Certification in Elementary Education from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. He was employed by ECISD for 29 years, teaching 5th and 6th grade at Cameron, Sam Houston, and Dowling, elementary before retiring in May 2021.  He was named “Teacher of the Year” for two years. He was very active in his church, First Baptist Church Odessa, and enjoyed singing in the choir. His favorite thing to do during the summers when he was not teaching was fly fishing in Colorado.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Reverend Elson Hernandez.

Michael is survived by his mother, Eva Hernandez of Odessa; his brother, Rodney Hernandez and his wife Molly; his two nieces, Madison and Morgan of Odessa; his sister, Brenda Guffey and her husband Tom; and niece, Rhea and her husband Florent Ballin from France; his niece, Terah of Waxahachie; and his nephew, Noah and his wife Stephanie of Denver, Colorado.

The family of Michael wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Hospice of Odessa, Pastor Curtis Brewer, Music Minister Andy Johnson and the FBC choir, Lindsey Lumpkin, Community 4 Sunday School class of First Baptist, Autumn Davis of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, and all family members and close friends that have been supportive.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests a donate to the Elson A. Hernandez Memorial Scholarship at Hardin-Simmons University be made in Michael's honor.