Antonio V. Hernandez

Antonio V. Hernandez age 87 and a 43 year resident of Terra Bella passed away peacefully at home with his family beside him on October 25, 2009.

Antonio was born September 18, 1922 to Moises and Luz Hernandez at Pomacuaro, MI, Mexico and is was there that he met and married Maria Guadalupe Suarez. Antonio came to Terra Bella in 1942 under the Bracero program and was proud to become a U.S. citizen soon thereafter. He worked for both Paramount Farms and Guimarra Vineyards as a farm labor crew supervisor and was responsible for bringing many migrant workers to the Terra Bella community over the years. Antonio was man of strong faith and was very devoted to St. Anne's Parish. He and Maria enjoyed listening to and singing mariachi music and when he wasn't tending his vegetable garden he was visiting with family or friends.

Antonio was preceded in death by Maria Guadalupe in 2005. Surviving family includes 4 sons; Moises of Porterville, Raymondo of Terra Bella, Jose Felix of Terra Bella and Federico of Porterville. 9 daughters; Carolina Ferrer of Porterville, Maria da la luz Vargas of Terra Bella, Yolanda Mendoza of Porterville, Flora Sandoval, Rose Contreras and Josie Ozuna all of Terra Bella, Armida Hernandez of Visalia, Marilu Matinez of Porterville and Angie Salas of Fresno. Brothers; Celodonio Hernandez of Mexico and Ramiro Hernandez of Porterville. Sister Hermila Hernandez of Mexico. 62 grandchildren, 106 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Wednesday, October 28 at Whitehurst-Peters-Loyd Chapel with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated 9:00 am Thursday, October 29 at St. Anne's Catholic  Church followed by interment at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery, Porterville.

For additional information contact Whithurst-Peters-Loyd Funeral & Cremation Service, 195 N. Hockett St., Porterville, CA 93257. (559) 784-6485.