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Thomas Hernandez, born Sept. 23, 1935 in Miami, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2019 in San Tan Valley at the age of 83. Tom was preceded in death by his father and mother, three brothers, four sisters and his oldest son. He is survived by his wife Deloris and his children Michael (Susan) Hernandez, of Globe; Patricia Hernandez, of Mesa; Edward Hernandez, of Miami; Jenefer (John) Ukleya, of Leavenworth, Kans., Carter (Deb) Hernandez of Mesa, daughter-in-law Helen Hernandez of Chandler, stepchildren Ron Baroldy of Gilbert, and Regina (Joe) Marlin of San Tan Valley, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Tom was a veteran of the National Guard. He began working in mining as a laborer, working his way up to heavy duty shovel operator, retiring 47 years later as senior shovel operator. After he retired from mining, he developed a love of public service and worked in law enforcement as a deputy for the Gila County Sheriff’s Office. Employed by a company that worked in conjunction with ICE, and later for 13 years with the Arizona Department of Corrections in Florence, he utilized his bilingual heritage. He enjoyed golf, music, and swimming and loved fishing and camping with his family.
Visitation was held at on Thursday Jan. 17, 2019 in the Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 32584 N. Gary Rd., San Tan Valley. Funeral services were held in the chapel. Following services, interment was at Mesa City Cemetery (1212 N. Center St. Mesa).
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Meldrum Mortuary of Mesa. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tom’s favorite charity, the Salvation Army.
