Joseph "Joe" Hernandez

Joseph Joe Hernandez of Visalia, CA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 30, 2010 at the age of 63. Joseph was born November 19, 1947 to Moises and Socorro Hernandez. Joseph served his country for over 20 years in the US Army retiring at the rank of 1st Sergeant. During his service in the army he received numerous accommodations and awards for his combat service in Vietnam and the Army transition to the M1 Abrams tank. In his over 20 years of service he received the following accommodations Overseas Service Bars(3rd Award), Valorous Unit Award, Overseas Service Ribbon(2nd Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon(3rd Award), Army Meritorious Service Medial(3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Award, Army Good Conduct Medal(6th Award), Campaigns; Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III, IV, V, and VI, Consolidation I and II, Tet Counteroffensive, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, .45 caliber pistol Sharpe shooter, M16 rifle expert. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Moises and Socorro Hernandez, daughter Regina Hernandez and brother Delfino. Joe is survived by his wife of over 40 years Shirley Hernandez, daughter Nicole; sons Marcus and Joseph; sister Amy(Arnold) Martinez of Pixley, CA; sister-in-law Diana Hernandez Tulare, CA; sister Rose(Michael) Salazar of Tulare, CA; sister Remigia(Jessie) Contreras of Visalia, CA; brother Emilio(Sylvia) Hernandez of Blythe, CA; sister Maria Hernandez of Tulare, CA; sister Irene(Larry) Garcia of Visalia, CA; sister Alicia(Marc) Castro of Tulare, CA; Grandchildren Richard(Ricky) Santeliz, Rigina Lopez, Xavier Renteria, Rejae Renteria, Maximo Renteria, Karissma Aguinaga and Leilani Hernandez all of Visalia and several nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 5-8pm at the Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W Center Ave, Visalia, CA with a rosary at 7pm. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:30 at St Marys Catholic Church, 608 N. Church St., Visalia, CA. Interment will follow at Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA. Services entrusted to Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel, Farmersville, CA.