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Mario Alberto Hernandez was born January 4th, 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, and attended Reedley Junior College. 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 firebases, 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, where he was assigned 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, saved many homes, as well as maintaining roads for national parks, state parks, public lands and resources. His gift and talents also lead 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 till his passing, on May 23rd, 2014. Mario was a member of the Fresno Lions 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, direction to others, who were struck with blindness and Agent Orange related illnesses. 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. His wit will be missed by many. The service to his country, 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, retired USAF MSGT Manuel Hernandez, Sister Mercedes Arriaga, and Brother Martin Roberto Hernandez. Mario leaves behind his wife Barbara, of Fresno. His son Mario A. Hernandez Jr. and grandson Zachary of Gardnerville NV., his son Marcus and daughter in law Debbie, grandson's Jesse and Jason of Minden NV., his step-children John and Linda, Joe and Susan and Richard Norton all of Fresno, Ca., Isarael Carbajal, Arlonzo Norton, Ebony Bowen and Joseph Bowen all of Fresno, Solmon and Kathy Spicer, Jimmy and Tammy Oge one great-grandson all of Fresno, Ca., Ben Powles of Greenville, South Carolina., his siblings are Oralia Hernandez of Mercedes, Texas; 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, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. Also surviving Mario are his stepchildren Linda, Susan and Richard Norton of Fresno and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews.

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Mario Alberto Hernandez

January 4, 1947 - May 23, 2014