Fred Hernandez Sr. 81 of Blue Springs passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home on January 3, 2020 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Visitation will be Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO. Services to follow at 3:00 pm with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to local chapter of the American Diabetes Association.
Fred was born March 10, 1938 in Kansas City to Evangeline Hernandez and Fred Toy. His mother passed away when Fred was a year old at which time he was adopted by his Maternal Grandparents, Jose’ and Jovita Hernandez. Fred was a Baptist and attended Switzer Grade School and West Jr. High. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and served his country from 1956 to 1962. In 1956 he went to work for Thomas J. Lipton Company (Unilever) in Independence, retiring from Lipton in 1994. After retirement, Fred worked part-time but made friends full-time at the Westlake’s Ace Hardware in Blue Springs.
Fred was the Patriarch, committed to taking care of the family. He was always available to come to your aid for car trouble, mowing the lawn, moving cattle or whatever else you needed. Whether it was a summer BBQ, family gathering or tailgating at the Chief’s game, he welcomed any excuse to cook for a crowd, and enjoyed sharing the results with family, friends and neighbors. Fred spent several years as a softball coach and is remembered fondly by members of the various teams. Fred liked to hunt and fish. He and Betty spent time after retirement going to the lake, camping and traveling in their RV, making new friends no matter what State they traveled to.
Surviving at the home is his Partner and Love, Betty “B.B.” Brooks. He is also survived by 4 children from his marriage to Betty Jo Paredes: Monica (Albert) Ramirez, Fred (Julie) Hernandez Jr., Joseph Hernandez, Andrea (Stephanie) Hernandez, 3 step-daughters: Brenda (Ron) Hook, Barbara Wooldridge and Beth (Kevin) Brooks-Steeley; 14 grandchildren: Anissa Ramirez, Albert Ramirez Jr., Chris Ramirez, Joseph Hernandez II., Corey Rodriguez, Kyle Hernandez, Lilly Hernandez, Lisa Dale, Lori Packham, Jennifer Heyer, Joshua Willcockson, Justin Willcockson, Shane Steeley and Shanda Steeley, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 sister Ethyl (Mike) Garcia plus many cousins and friends that he considered family. Fred was preceded in death by his birth and adoptive parents and his siblings Santos, Anita, Rachel, Leo, Linda, Hope, and Miriam.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Royer
16 Sep 2020I consider Freddie a very good friend one that I kept in touch with over the years. We worked together at wishbone/Lipton/unilever for many years, he was always full of energy never seemed to mind working always a good person full of life, he was a fighter and I encouraged him to keep fighting until he couldn’t fight anymore hs said Millie I’m tired. Rest my friend no more pain, no more suffering see you when we meet again. – Mildred Zink
Royer
16 Sep 2020I had the pleasure working with Fred at Westlake we started on the same day and worked several years together I would say he was my partner in crime lol! He always had a special place in my heart! A very nice man had a heart of gold. Customer’s loved him and even after he left they still would come in and ask about him! He will be missed! Rest in peace Fred you will deeply missed! – Brenda Byrd
Royer
16 Sep 2020To our cousins, we’re sorry we’re unable to attend Uncle Fred’s service today because of the weather. We were able to visit with him last month and he was in good spirits. We talked about the old neighborhood and his favorite restaurants, and the family. We wish we could have talked longer but he was a little tired. Support each other at this time. We’re sorry for your loss. – Steve and Sylvia Gomez