Eduardo Villanueva Hernandez

Eduardo Villanueva Hernandez, 77, of Maricopa AZ, passed away peacefully at his home on July 30, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Maria Hernandez; brothers Ike, Reymundo, Luis, and Daniel; and sisters Rose (Galindo), Sally (Vega), and Beatriz (Salinas). He is the beloved husband of Alicia Margarita Hernandez of Maricopa; son Rafael Cruz Hernandez (Anne Elizabeth Whitacre) of Gilbert; and daughters Andrea Hernandez Holm (Garett) of Tucson; Sara Sheehan of Stanfield; and Veronica Hernandez Sanchez (Gilbert) of Maricopa. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Ezikiel and Joaquin Holm; Adrianna, Vanessa, and Terra Sheehan; and Julian (Nataly), Estrella, and Michael Sanchez. He is survived by his beloved twin sister Mary Helen Tye of Danville, CA. Mr. Hernandez also leaves behind his brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many loved Hernandez, Villanueva, Tarango, and Prieto family members. Originally from Texas, Mr. Hernandez grew up in Casa Grande, where he was fondly known as "Eddie" by family members and friends. He worked hard throughout his entire life, from his time as a migrant farm worker as a young man until his retirement from law enforcement. Mr. Hernandez proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, and later went on to work in civil engineering. He also served in law enforcement in the communities of Central Arizona with great pride and love for the people there, including Casa Grande, Maricopa, Eloy, Stanfield, Gila River and Ak-Chin. Throughout his life he was an advocate of equality for all people and he actively participated in the United Farm Workers efforts for equal pay and rights for laborers. He will be remembered for his fair treatment of all and especially his willingness to help those in need. Mr. Hernandez was an artist who loved to draw and sketch. His drawings were his calling cards and he was quick to share them with others, leaving behind a record of memories and moments to be treasured. His greatest joy was to be surrounded by his loved ones in his home, where he could hear the laughter of his grandchildren playing and enjoy the Arizona desert that was so dear to his heart.