It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, SYLVESTER R. HERNANDEZ, 92, of Las Cruces and longtime resident of "Chiva Town", was called home by the Lord, on Friday, January 12, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on December 31, 1931, in Laredo Texas to Domingo and Bertha Hernandez. Sylvester was a Korean War Veteran who served in The United States Marine Corps, having enlisted in 1952. He was a member of the Marine Corps League – El Perro Diablo Detachment #478.

Sylvester owned his own carpentry business – Hernandez Construction. Mr. Hernandez was an avid and talented woodworker, skilled carpenter, and well-known craftsman for many years. Sylvester was full of life, he enjoyed activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, watching classic westerns, building furniture, attending church, and of course spending time with his family. Sylvester was a devoted catholic, his faith in God was a tremendous influence on his family. His years of knowledge, strength, humor, storytelling, daily, prayers, and blessings for his family will be cherished and greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Hernandez, Dolores Aragon, Cindy Erickson, (husband Paul), Margarita "Margie" Rodriguez, (husband Edward), Florence Benavidez, (husband Nick) and granddaughter whom he had raised as his own daughter, Ida Hernandez-Montes and (husband Fernando Montes Jr.)  Other survivors include his grandchildren, Libby Miller, Louie Lucero, Ernie Nevarez, Tommy Aragon, Gabe Lucero, Christopher Nevarez, Patricia Tellez, Alex Erickson, and Marc Tellez; 28 great grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren and 3 great-great-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 57 years – Margarita A. Hernandez; three brothers, Calistro, Julian, and Luis Hernandez; two sisters Antonia Diaz and Dominga Hernandez.

Visitation will begin at 6 PM Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Prayer Vigil at 7 PM.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, Wednesday January 31, 2024, at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina Street. At his request cremation will take place and Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date. Military Honors will be accorded by the Marines Corps League El Perro-Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers will be Libby Miller, Louie Lucero, Ernie Nevarez, Tommy Aragon, Ida Hernandez-Montes, and Christopher Nevarez. Honorary bearers will be Gabe Lucero, Patricia Tellez, Alex Erickson, and Marc Tellez

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jesus Herrera-Murillo and to Dr. Selin Jacobs for their compassion, support, and care.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com