Rafael Hernandez

Rafael Ybaven Hernandez, 85, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on April 1, 2023, in Odessa, Texas.
Rafael was born in Balmorhea, Texas, to Francisco and Theodora Hernandez on October 24, 1937. He graduated from Balmorhea High School. He married Barbara Perez on September 17, 1961 in Pecos, Texas. He worked for the Texas Highway Department for ten years. He also worked as a Gas Plant Operator for Enron for nineteen years. He proudly served his country by serving in both the United States Army for six years and served an additional twenty-three years in the Texas National Guard.

Rafael is preceded in death by his father Francisco Hernandez, mother Theodora Hernandez, sister Anita Dutchover and grandson Michael Lane.

Rafael is survived by his wife, Barbara Hernandez, children Rafael Hernandez, Jr. (Maribel), Rebecca Hernandez (David), Frank Hernandez (Claudia), Rachel Kunkel (Mike), Andrew Hernandez (Sandra), Patricia Tellep (Gary), Delia Bennett (Jeff), Ruben Hernandez and Gabriela Puertas (Adrian),and brother Victor Hernandez.

Rafael also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren, Debbie De La O, Heather Garlick, Beverly Reyes, John Carrillo, Meagan Blake, Frank Hernandez, Jr., Ian O'Brien, Brittney Holley, Marissa Hernandez, Andrew K. Hernandez, Haley Heizer, Esteban Hernandez, Alex Hernandez, Caleb Puertas and Catherine Puertas, Great Grand Children, Elijah De La O, Miles De La O, Brynlee Machuca, Tynsley Carrillo, Howdy Garlick, Isabella Reyes, Zachariah Reyes, Jeremiah Reyes, Miguel Carrillo, Lucia Carrillo, Avery Holley and Olivia Villarreal, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00PM, Tuesday April 4, 2023 at Martinez Funeral Home Chapel.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM Wednesday April 5, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church 612 E. 18th St. Odessa, TX. 79761, with Father Bernadito Getigan officiating.

Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery Peaceful Garden section.

Arrangements are by Martinez Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be John Carrillo, Andrew K. Hernandez, Esteban Hernandez, Alex Hernandez, Rafael Hernandez and Frank Hernandez.

The family of Rafael Hernandez wishes to extend sincere thanks to Home Hospice and St. Mary's Church.