Tony Hernandez

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

In Loving Memory of
Anthony "Tony" Carl Hernandez
August 5, 1957 - August 27, 2023

Anthony "Tony" Carl Hernandez, age 66 achieved his ultimate goal by departing his earthly life to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Tony suffered a traumatic brain injury, with many twists and unexplainable events, he fought hard for 28 days surrounded by his wife, children and friends. 

Tony beat the odds with Metastatic Melanoma and had been in remission over 11 months. He was born August 5, 1957 in Joplin, Missouri, the fourth of eight children and oldest son of Alta Carlene Wilder.

Tony grew up in Galena, Kansas being raised predominantly by his beloved grandmother Cleatus W. Collins. He always spoke highly of his grandmother, she was the first to tell him about Jesus and loved to take him fishing for Catfish on the banks of the Spring River.

In his late teen years his Mother married Wayne W. Justice and they moved to Neosho, Missouri where Tony graduated High School in 1975. Tony worked in his teenage years at Volkswagen, Joplin, Missouri as a parts manager then went to work for Dwyer Enterprises, Neosho, Missouri where he learned the trade of being a Machinist. He then went to work for Eagle Pitcher, Joplin, Missouri who sold to Mid-America Precision Products for most of his adult life.

Becoming a father again later in life he opened and ran Diamond-D-Trade, a resale shop on the corner of 7th and Newman Road in Joplin, Missouri. He then worked a few years for Protein Solutions of Joplin, a few years at Cott Beverage, Joplin then moved to Schreiber Foods of Carthage, Missouri where he took early retirement to focus on his fight against cancer. He made many dear and close friends in his working years.

Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman. He could shoot a bow like no other and enjoyed shooting instinctively. It was amazing to watch him bow fish. Tony was a member of the Cherokee Bow Hunting Club of Neosho, Missouri for many years where he enjoyed 3D target shooting. Tony was a gifted, self taught percussionist, learning to play on pots, pans, buckets, and actually anything he could tap on and get a rhythm. Tony was in a few bands growing up and played in many worship groups. He also played for his church, Calvary Church of the Nazarene of Joplin, Missouri before the opening of The Sheep Shed in Neosho, Missouri where he served faithfully until his injury. He was the drummer of the Black Sheep Band, worked with the youth and served as a Deacon during his many years at the Sheep Shed.

Tony struggled with alcoholism most of his life, and anyone reading this struggling with anything. Tony would want you to know that with Jesus you don't have to struggle. Once Tony was reborn 11/07/2004 he devoted his time to growing closer to God. He would spend a few hours a day learning the word of GOD, acting on it with his family life and of course practicing his speed on rudiments and paradiddles. Or quizzing his wife on what the drum he was playing was made of? Solid Maple, 3 rings - Maple, Poplar, Maple and the list goes on. 

Tony proudly wore a shirt on the anniversary of his salvation day that said "My day of being REBORN in the blood of Jesus Christ" 11-07-04. He also had a 25 hive Avery he called Beano's Bees where he enjoyed the hobby of Beekeeping but more importantly enjoyed the honey. 

He also enjoyed working on his hot rod El Camino, driving his Harley Davidson, watching baseball (Atlanta Braves), watching old westerns (Gunsmoke), eating meatloaf and cherry pie and feeding wildlife especially Deer & Cardinals. A master chief at making Deer Chili. He loved his fur-babies and all his Roosters. He enjoyed collecting drums, fishing lures, Native American artifacts and guns. Tony was 34% Native American which he was very proud of.

In one of his numerous notebooks laying around the house this was found among various notes of scripture and appointment dates. "I love my wife and my children with all my heart and soul. I can't make up for the past but I hope you all will forgive me someday.I think of you all everyday and I wish I could have loved you all as you deserved. Amanda, Kendra, Hannah I love you with my whole heart, never forget! Daddy, loves you! Sis, you and Mom have been my best friends. I love you! Natalie, you are the kindest hearted person I have ever known. I have always felt your love and I am sorry I did not always reciprocate it. Thank you for allowing me to be your husband. Thank you for always being there for me even when I did not deserve it. I have always said you're the BEST! When I die, I am not dead! I am with my father and I will be waiting eagerly for each of you!" Amen & All MY LOVE, Tony Hernandez October 10, 2021. 

He signed and dated everything with elegant penmanship. He saved everything that had any sentimental value to him. Tony was not perfect; he was a product of his difficult and hard childhood mixed with environmental influence allowing him to show affection and love the only way he could. Those who took the time to know him, understood him. He actually had a huge heart. 

Tony met Natalie in October of 1999 and they were united in Holy Matrimony, June 30, 2005. He had one previous marriage to Linda K. Simpson in which they shared two wonderful children. Tony will be greatly missed by his family, his church family, his friends, his community, and all his "babies" (his pets).

He was preceded in death by his mother, stepfather, grandmother and younger sister, Mary A. Hernandez.

Today Tony (Meme, Beano, Chick-o-stick) is survived by his wife, Natalie L. Davenport-Hernandez (Meme Little, Mom). Daughters: Amanda Nichole Hernandez (Nana), Kendra Kay Hernandez-Mynatt (Copper) and Hannah Marie Lee Davenport (Sis). Grandchildren: Kaylie, Skylar, Eliana,

Jace, Kennedy and Rocco. Great Grandchildren: Kaydence, Grace and Kane. Possibly his three older sisters Cindy, Debbie and Candy Hernandez. Three younger brothers Gary "Herk" E. Wilder, Robert "Bob" L. Hernandez and Clifford "Rut" B. Rutland. Possibly his stepbrother, Gary Justice.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 6PM to 7PM at Mason-Woodard Mortuary Joplin, Missouri 64801

Burial will be held privately with family at a later date.

Contributions to help with Tony's Medical/Funeral Expenses can be made to
Natalie Davenport-Hernandez
c/o Mason-Woodard
3701 E. 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801