David M. Hernandez

CASA GRANDE - David M. Hernandez Jr., 84, a longtime Casa Grande educator, died on March 27, 2019.

Mr. Hernandez was born on May 23, 1934, in Alpine, Texas, to Jesusita "Chuy" and David Hernandez. He attended Alpine High School, then entered the Army and served in the Airborne. After the Army, he attended Sul Ross State University, where he met the love of his life, Clotilde Pena, and they were married for 58 years. He lived a life of service as an educator. In 1961, he and Clotilde taught side-by-side in Pecos, Texas. In 1967 he started teaching in the Casa Grande Elementary School District and later served as principal of Palo Verde and Mesquite elementary schools before retirement in 1999.

He was a role model of effective leadership within the education community. He served as president of the Casa Grande Elementary Education Association while he was a member of the National Education Association and the Arizona Education Association. His membership in the National Association of Elementary School Principals helped promote quality leadership in schools across Arizona. Being very involved with his community, he was a charter member of the Sunrise Optimist Club of Casa Grande. He was instrumental in helping expand the Boys & Girls Clubs into Casa Grande and in bringing the Arizona High School All-Stars competition to the city.

He was a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Casa Grande Valley Elks Lodge, city Clean and Beautiful Committee and was a Chili Cook-off organizer for the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Casa Grande Planning and Zoning Commission. He received many honors for his community service. He was recognized as the grand marshal of the Cinco de Mayo parade; chosen as the Arizona Hispanic School Administrators Association's Exemplary Educator; and was named to the chamber's Hall of Fame and as Optimist of the Year. He had many friends and mentored many educators and students.

In addition to his wife, survivors include four sons, David III, Duane, George Luis and Carlo; a sister, Delma Molinar; a brother, Daniel Hernandez, both of Pecos, Texas; and three grandsons.

Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church's Community Center, with rosary and Mass following. Burial in Mountain View Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.