Cecil B. Hernandez

Cecil Biera “Herc” Hernandez, 72 of Abilene, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022.   Funeral service will be on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street, with burial at 2:00 p.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.  A time of visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 5:00 – 700 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Cecil, or “Herc” as he was known to his Vietnam buddies, was born on August 27, 1949 in Merkel, Texas to Cecil and Leonarda Hernandez.  In 1967, at the young age of 18, Cecil volunteered to serve his country by joining the US Army and ended up serving two tours in the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam, he began dating Elida Castillo, known to most as Mary,  who would be the one to be by his side for 50 years.

His siblings recall him being like a second father because of how well he took care of them and their needs. This was the kind of man he was and continued to be throughout his life. He was always one to make sure everyone was taken care of and had what they needed. Like his father, he enjoyed listening and singing along to music. Walking into the house and hearing music and whistling coming from his computer area was not uncommon. Working with his hands was always a passion and he was able to tell you what was wrong with your car by just listening to it.

Later in life he had the opportunity to further his education which was something he encouraged everyone around him to do. He drove daily to Sweetwater to obtain his computer programming degree at TSTC. In retirement, spending time with the grandkids and spoiling them, always brought him pure joy.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jimmy and Morris Hernandez and sister, Tina Barrerra.  He is survived by his wife Elida of Abilene; daughters Crystal Canada and husband Chase and Kathryn Glackmeyer, both of Abilene; brothers George L. Hernandez and wife Vickie of Tatum, Texas, Harvey Hernandez and Macario Hernandez, both of Fort Worth; sisters Geneva Pena of Abilene, Connie Rubio of Arlington, Mary Delagarza of Abilene, Liz Sanchez of Abilene and Silvia Narvaez of Dallas; grandchildren Cami and Colton Glackmeyer and Clara and Callyn Canada, all of Abilene; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his beloved dog, Bear.

The Hernandez family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful men and women of Hendrick Hospice for their loving care of Cecil.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .