Rafael Antonio Hernandez
Rafael Antonio Hernandez, beloved son, brother, husband and friend, passed away Nov. 16, 2024, at the age of 43. Rafael will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Through faith, we find comfort knowing that Rafael is now in his eternal home resting in the arms of God.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. Interment was at Mexia Cemetery. Visitation was on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary being said at 7 p.m. at Jones Funeral Services.
Rafael was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., on Nov. 16, 1981, to Alvaro Antonio Hernandez and Debra Ann Sughroue Hernandez. Rafael attended and graduated from Mexia High School with the class of 2000. On Sept. 20, 2014 , Rafael married Beatriz Elena Monterroza in Barranquilla, Colombia. While still in high school, Rafael began working for Gabriel Olvera in his new business, Eagle Mountain Tree Farm. Rafael was a faithful employee of Eagle Mountain Tree Farm.
Rafael had an outgoing, fun-loving personality. Close family and friends knew him as Rafa or Peewee. Rafa was happiest when he was with family and friends, cooking out, listening to music and dancing. He enjoyed dancing, especially at the carnival celebrations. Gatherings with Rafa were filled with fun and silliness. Rafa had a heart of a servant, slow to anger and rich in kindness. Rafa was always doing something to assist his family and friends at any time, day or night. To many, Rafa was more than a true and loyal friend, he was a brother. His heart was pure and his love boundless.
Rafael was preceded in death by his two preborn children, Tommy John Hernandez and Anna Franchesca Hernandez; and grandfather, Elmo Sughroue.
Left to cherish wonderful memories of him are his wife, Beatriz; parents, Alvaro and Debbie Hernandez; sister, Christina Lopez; nieces and nephews, Ruben Juliyani Lopez, Elizabeth Lopez, Jyonni Lopez, Izayla Lopez; uncles, Paul Sughroue and wife Pam, Marion Sughroue and wife Shaleen, Wilfred Sughroue and wife Sheri; aunts Rose Miller and husband Steve, Patricia Sevenello Hernandez and husband Luis; grandmother, Minnie Irene Springer Sughroue; extra special friends, Gabriel Olvera and Nicolas Molina and many dear cousins and friends.
Serving as pallbearers are Gabriel Olvera, Nicolas Molins Jr., Julio Olvera, Gregorio Lambarri, Florencio Lambar, Manuel Zamampa, Fabian Valdez and Hector Olvera. Honorary pallbearers are Mario Lambar, Julio Figeroa and Juliyani Lopez.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 604 N. Bonham St., Mexia, TX 76667.
