Victor Hernandez

Victor Donaciano Hernandez, 83, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 19, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side.

In our grief, we are shaken by the totality of your life. Your unquestionable love for your family. Your life-long love of learning. Your acceptance of everyone and refusal to judge or dismiss anyone. How much you enjoyed being with people, hearing and telling funny stories. The sound of your laughter transcends your absence. We see you lying in bed, with your eyes resting and a tranquil smile, lost in nostalgia and the memories of a life well lived.

Raised in San Antonio Texas, Victor was known in the neighborhood for his love of putting together and collecting miniature model cars and passion for classic cars, which he also enjoyed in his later years. His most cherished items where his Corvette metal cast cars. While in high school he met the love of his life Rose.

In 1958 after he graduated high school, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he attended bootcamp in Alemeda, California. Some of his stations included: Port Aransas, Texas, Japan, San Francisco, California, and Hawaii.

He always felt blessed to have married his high school sweetheart in 1960. His fondest memories were while he and Rose were stationed in Hawaii. So much that, years later, they returned to the Islands three times. He indeed carried the “Aloha” spirit.

After his service to his country, Victor returned to civilian life in San Antonio. When opportunity arose, he took his family and moved to Odessa, Texas. In the late 1990’s, Victor worked in the steel industry, oilfield work, automation and design, and later, retired from Portland Cement in Penwell, Texas.

Victor loved sports; NASCAR, NHRA racing. He would take his family to the Penwell Raceway and enjoy watching icons Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney rumble and race down the strip.

He also loved, Permian High School Football, West Texas A&M Buffalo Football, The University of Texas Longhorns Football and Baseball, Texas Longhorn Women’s Softball, and the era of Tom Landry’s Dallas Cowboys.

He and Rose faithfully attended Permian football home games from the late 1960’s to present day. When he had a chance, he and Rose would also attend WT Buffalo Football while his daughter was in college, and later when his daughter moved to the Austin area, attended Texas Longhorn football and baseball games.

Games and competitions at W.T. Barrett Stadium, Ratliff Stadium, Texas Stadium, Darryl K Royal Stadium and Disch Faulk field were always on the radar.  Whether he attended top fuel racing in Penwell, Texas, high school football playoff games all over the state of Texas, college, professional football games, or his daughter’s high school marching band contests, he was in the stands cheering on the teams.

During their daughter’s time in The Mighty Mojo Marching Band, Victor and Rose had the pleasure of serving as band boosters and chaperones. As a booster club members, relationships were formed with many of their daughters’ peers and other parent boosters which have endured and strengthened throughout the years. For many of the students, they were a second set of parents. The memories and bonds meant so much to both Victor and Rose. He never left the stands at halftime. He would say: “these kids worked hard and are just as important as the football team.”

Years after his daughter graduation from Permian, Victor and Rose could still been seen in the stands cheering on the MOJO band and football team.

Victor took pride in his home and yard. Piloting his riding mower was one his favorite activities around the house. His vehicles were kept immaculate just as clean as they were when they rolled off the show room floor.  Victor never did anything half-way. He was all in on his projects, no matter how big or small the task.  He was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor. He would give advice to anyone needing it. He also loved his church and community.

He is survived by his wife Rose of 62 years, his only child, Diane (son-in-law Bryan) Wells, brothers Jesus (Josie) Hernandez, Jose (Janie) Hernandez, sisters Nena (Ignacio, deceased) Mauricio, and Mary (Peter) Guerrero, many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

Victor was a loving father, husband, and friend to everyone he met. He is preceded in death by parents Humberto and Felicidad Hernandez and two brothers Humberto and Ray Hernandez.

We can only hope the breaking of our hearts is testament to our gratitude and love we have for you. You have earned eternal rest. The torch is passed to all those you loved, it is our turn to be worthy of your sacrifice and following your example. To be loving, caring, and decent; to care for family and think of others before us.

Victor lived a life encompassed in the Catholic faith. Early on he learned to love the psalms... One of the great joys of Victor and Rose’s life was going to Mass together receiving Holy Communion as a family, and part of the congregation. The Communion they received was very evidently with Christ and his Church.

A special thank you to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Father Joseph Barbieri and his parish in Odessa for prayers and guidance during this time of sorrow.  Home Hospice in Odessa for their loving care and support during Victor’s final journey home.

The family also would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Sunset Memorial Funeral Homes staff for being supportive and understanding during this difficult time. Thanks also go to the VFW for honoring Victor’s service.

Lastly, thank you to family, friends and neighbors showing their “Aloha” spirit to Victor during his final lap around the track.

ALOHA Victor, and MAHALO for everything you gave us. WE WILL MISS YOU.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 7:00 PM, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A mass/memorial with military honors at will be held at 10:00 AM, at St Elizabeth’s Ann Seton Catholic Church in Odessa on Friday, February 10, 2023. Victor’s ashes will be place in a Columbarium at St Elizabeth’s Ann Seton Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Elizabeth’s Church, Odessa Texas, or VFW Odessa, Texas, 208 E 63rd St, Odessa, TX 79762