Sotero Hernandez

HERNANDEZ, SOTERO- A rosary will be recited for Sotero Hernandez 7:30 PM, Friday, March 2, 2018 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. A memorial mass celebrating Sotero's life will be held 9:30 AM, Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Andrew Miles officiating. Inurnment will follow at the church Columbarium.

Sotero was born to Miguel and Delfinia Hernandez in Yeso, NM on December 31, 1925. He passed into Heaven on Monday, February 26, 2018 at the age of 92.

Sotero grew up in Yeso, NM and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. He was stationed in Germany in 1944 and was a telegrapher. He proudly served his country and had many stories to tell about his experiences in WWII with his best buddy James Earl.

Sotero returned home in April of 1946 and began working and going to school. He attended Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM for approximately a year where he was enrolled in accounting and math classes.

On February 10, 1951 he married Estela C. (Cora) Gallegos in Fort Sumner, NM. They moved to Roswell, NM in April of 1951 where he worked for the State Highway Department. He continued working for the NMDOT for the next 32 years and retired as a procurement specialist in 1982.

Together, Sotero and Cora began their family and had 3 lovely daughters, Cynthia, Sharla and Morene. Sotero was active in his community as he was a faithful member of Saint John the Baptist Parish Men's Club for many years. He coached little league baseball, and was a member of the Army National Guard.

Sotero loved fishing, hunting, and later in life going to the casino. However, his love and dedication for his family was his top priority in life. His daughters, grandchildren and nephews have many wonderful memories of fishing, hunting and camping adventures with him.

Sotero's five grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Pampo", lit up his world and were truly his pride and joy. He made many trips out of state to visit and enjoy his Claiborne boys. Sotero and Cora have been a blessing to the Wagner kids as they babysat them as young children. Every chance he had, Sotero would take the grandkids to the park, teach them how to build things, and taught them to enjoy nature. He never missed a ballgame or activity that the grandkids were involved in. The home team and fans recognized him as a regular fanatic fan and even called him "Pampo".

Sotero loved life and made the best of all circumstances. He was a hardworking, responsible husband, father and grandfather. A true man of honor and integrity. He was loved by all that knew him and will be dearly missed.

Sotero was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Antonia Garza and, Lupe Sena and a brother Robert Hernandez. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Cora Hernandez of the home; daughters Cynthia (Tony) Claiborne of Seattle, WA; Sharla Hernandez of Santa Fe, NM; Morene (Randy) Wagner of Roswell, NM. Five grandchildren, Christopher (Jackie) Claiborne, Michael Claiborne, Lauren Wagner, Nikki Wagner and Joshua Wagner. Brother Carlos (Pauline) Hernandez, sisters in law, Louise Bruestle and Jo Blanchard, and longtime friend Minerva Carrera, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fresenius Medical for their "TLC" and excellent care; Dr. Dake and staff at Kymera Independent Physicians; Encompass Home Health (Jason, Regina, Angela); Roswell Joy Center; Robert Mabry and Connie Stewart at Pecos Trails Bus; Roswell Fire Department Station #3 the Staff at Mission Arch Care Center, and his care givers MJ and Gloria.

Honorary pallbearers will be his sons in law, Randy Wagner and Tony Claiborne and his 5 grandchildren.

Service

Rosary

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N Kentucky Ave
Roswell, NM  88201
Friday, March 2, 2018
7:30 PM

Memorial Mass

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N Kentucky Ave
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, March 3, 2018
9:30 AM

Cemetery

Assumption Columbarium
Roswell, NM