VICTOR HERNANDEZ, lovingly known throughout the community as "the man with the cowboy hat," entered eternal life on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was 89 years old.

Born March 23, 1937, in Pettes, Texas, to Atanacia Nolasco and Pedro Hernandez. Victor grew into a man whose presence was instantly recognizable and warmly welcomed. A genuine people person, he could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. His warm smile, friendly nature, and sincere interest in others made him unforgettable to all whose lives he touched.

Victor found peace and purpose tending to his garden, nurturing life from the soil. He was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his team with pride and enthusiasm. Throughout his working years, Victor worked as a carpenter and laborer until his retirement. His strong work ethic, dedication to his family, and unwavering Catholic faith were the cornerstones of his life.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Maria Bermudez Hernandez; two sons, Frank Hernandez of Las Cruces and Freddy Hernandez (Vanessa) of El Paso, Texas; and five daughters, Nellie Hernandez (Joe), Irma Gloria (Tom), Herlinda Garcia, Betty Hernandez (Patrick), all of Las Cruces, and Elda Muniz (Stephen) of Oklahoma. Victor was also blessed with 28 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Sirildo, Pedro, and Ramon Hernandez; five sisters, Cruz Torres, Regina Hernandez, Anita Gomez, Maria Franco, and Petra Rodriguez; his sons-in-law Leonard M Kirker, Jr and Jaime A. Garcia, and his great-grandson Jeremiah Lopez.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 East Boutz Road, Las Cruces, with a Prayer Vigil at 6:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church, 1178 North Mesquite Street. The Rite of Committal and interment will immediately follow at Doña Ana Cemetery, where Victor will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Victor's life was defined by kindness, generosity, and a spirit that welcomed everyone. His legacy lives on in the generations he nurtured, the friendships he formed, and the countless conversations that began with a smile beneath his beloved cowboy hat.

Serving as pallbearers will be Armando Hernandez Jr., Mathew Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Bryan Hernandez, Shane Hernandez, Jaime Garcia Jr., Thomas Jacob Gloria, and Jesse Ray Gloria. Honorary pallbearers are Julio Lopez, Brandon Hernandez, Kyle Kirker, Kevin Kirker, and Devin Acosta.

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