September 12, 1954 – December 22, 2021
information provided by Smits Funeral Home
Juan Hernandez Jr., age 67, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Juan is survived by his wife, Delia Hernandez; children: Vanessa (Michael) Norton, Benjamin (Evelia) Hernandez; grandchildren: Saliya Hernandez, Alexandro Rocha, Carmen Chaidez, James Francisco Norton; brothers: Edward Hernandez, Rudy Hernandez; and sisters: Cynthia Larios, Margaret Ortiz, Sandra Hernandez, Katrina Badovinac. Juan was preceded in death by his parents: Carmen and Juan Hernandez Sr.
Juan was a proud Marine Corps veteran who worked presidential security under Richard Nixon. He was inducted in The Library of Congress in Washington DC, as a part of The Veterans History Project. Juan loved watching sports and going to games to see his favorite teams play, The Chicago Cubs, Gary Railcats, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Notre Dame football. Everyone who knew Juan, knows that he enjoyed the little things, whether it was hanging out in the garage smoking a pipe/cigar watching a sports game, or being at a family cookout. He had a great sense of humor, loved to tell jokes and stories, but most of all he loved making people laugh. Juan loved his wife, kids, and grandchildren very much and was very proud of his family. He was loved, and will be missed by many, but he will forever be in our hearts.
Visitation Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 3 – 8 p.m. with a prayer vigil to be held at 5 p.m. and a rosary to be said at 7 p.m. A prayer service will be Monday, January 3, 2022, at 8:45 a.m. from Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane to S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church 8558 Harrison Street, Merrillville, IN, 46410, for a Mass at 10 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Gaza officiating. Interment will be private.
