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Mario Alberto Hernandez, Sr. January 4, 1947 - May 23, 2014 Mario Alberto Hernandez was born January 4, 1947 in Mercedes, Texas to Eliza and Ezequiel Hernandez, Sr. His family migrated around the country and settled in Parlier, Ca. He graduated from Parlier High School in 1965, then attended Reedley Junior College. From there, he volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. He served in Vietnam with E Company in the 168th Combat Engineer's unit. His primary duty was a Heavy Equipment Operator clearing vast jungle for fire bases, landing strips and pads. He was honorably discharged as an E-5 Sergeant in June of 1969. After his distinguished service, he then was employed with the U.S. Forest Service department of Agriculture. He transferred to the Humboldt-Tioyabe national Forest District, based in Reno NV. Mario and his young family relocated to Carson City in 1976. His job led him on adventures throughout the state of Nevada and the rest of the country. He fought numerous wild land fires and saved many homes as well as maintaining roads for national parks, state parks, public lands and resources. His gift and talents also led him to Nevada's gold and silver mining industry. In 1989 Mario lost his eyesight due to a brain tumor. He underwent extensive rehabilitation and training to overcome his loss. He relocated to Fresno and remained here until his passing on May 23, 2014. He was a member of the Fresno Lion's Club, Disabled Veteran's of America post 509 and involved with the Fresno VA Blind Veteran's Association. Being an excellent public speaker he provided information and direction to others who were struck with blindness. He spoke on how he overcame adversity and gave hope to all the lives he touched. Mario was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother, he will be deeply missed by many. The service to his country and contributions to his family and the communities are irreplaceable. His legacy of bravery, strength, wisdom, courage and love will be passed down for many generations to come. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eliza and Ezequiel Hernandez Sr., his brother a retired USAF MSGT Manuel Hernandez, sister Mercedes Arriaga and brother Martin Roberto Hernandez. Mario leaves behind his loving wife Barbara Hernandez of Fresno, Ca., his son Mario A. Hernandez Jr. and grandson Zachary of Gardenville NV., son Marcus and daughter-in-law Debbie and grandson's Jesse and Jason of Minden NV., his stepchildren John and Linda, Joe and Susan and Richard, Jimmy and Tammy, Solmon and Kathy all of Fresno, Ca and Ben of Greenville, South Carolina, step-grandchildren Israel, Arlonzo, Ebony and Joseph all of Fresno, one great-grandson of Fresno, Ca. His siblings Oralia Hernandez of Mercedes, TX, Ezequiel Hernandez, Jr. of Coachella, Ca., Elizabeth Cantu of Selma, Ca., Maria Stepuch of Fresno, Ca., Emma Hernandez of Los Angeles, Ca., Gloria Hernandez of Fresno, Ca., and Estella Martinez of Fowler, Ca., many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Memorial Services will be held at Trinity Southern Baptist Church Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 10:00 am. Lunch will be held at the Church hall right after the services.

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Mario Alberto Hernandez Sr.

January 4, 1947 - May 23, 2014