Lawrence Hernandez, 94, of Valley Center and a resident of The Cedars Retirement Community in McPherson, Kansas, passed away in his home on November 15, 2022.

Born in Salina, Kansas on September 5th, 1928, Lawrence’s surviving family members include his sisters, Refugia (Cuca) Flores, San Antonio, TX; Frances Gonzales, Loganville, GA; four children and their spouses: Ramona Eck (George) of McPherson; Larry Hernandez (Teri) of Salina; David Hernandez of Valley Center; and Rebecca Biagini of Wichita; and by ten grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife Isabel, his parents, and daughter-in-law, Maria Hernandez.

As a youth, Lawrence worked part time as a pin setter at recreational bowling alleys in Salina. After graduation, he worked various jobs before enlisting in the United States Army on August 23rd, 1950. Lawrence served our country until 1974 when he was released from duty as Sgt. First Class. Lawrence then enlisted with the Army National Guard and retired from the Guard in 1988, concluding 22+ years of service to his country.

Lawrence met and fell in love with Isabel Hernandez. On the 23rd day of June 1951, the couple was joined in marriage in Salina, Kansas. After 70 years with his life partner, dance partner and love, Isabel was laid to rest in October of 2021.

Lawrence joined the Kansas Highway Patrol as a communications operator in 1957 and stayed with the Highway Patrol until 1992, when he retired after 35 years.

Lawrence, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa was respected, frugal and worked hard to provide and care for his family. Lawrence and Isabel’s home in Valley Center will always be remembered as a place of love, where family and friends gathered to talk, reminisce, and eat.  Oh, how the Hernandez love to eat!  They enjoyed supporting their kids, grandkids and great grandkids’ activities and will always be remembered sitting on their porch swing, waving to those going by and welcoming anyone who stopped to visit.

There will be a Rosary on Friday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m., and a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 26th at 11:00 a.m., both held at St. Jude’s Church in Wichita, Kansas. The funeral mass will be available via live stream at the parish website, stjudewichita.org.  A private burial will be held later.

Contributions in memory of Lawrence Hernandez may be made to the Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67211.

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