RAMON CANO HERNANDEZ

Ramon C. Hernandez, born August 13, 1933, passed away on December 12, 2023, at home in Palmdale, California.

Mr. Hernandez was preceded in death by his wife of 10 years Louise “Bessie”, wife of 20 years Carmela and two daughters, Valerie Greene and Janet Hernandez. He is survived by his three daughters: Shirleen Hernandez, Jackie Walker and husband Steve, Melodie Sterling and husband Dave. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, eight great

grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

Ramon is a Navy veteran of two wars, Korean and Vietnam where he earned several medals. A few of the medals were the Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal with 1 Start, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May of 1952 and began serving his Country at the Naval Training Center (NTC) in San Diego, California. He proudly served on the USS Cowell DD-547 and the USS Enterprise. He retired from the Navy (NTC, San Diego) as MCPO on November 1, 1981, where he began his career.

After retiring from the Navy, Ramon graduated from San Diego State University in May of 1982, and began a new career in education. He began his teaching career at the El Dorado Elementary School, then transferred to New Vista Middle School and worked until he retired. In 1999, Ramon was chosen as one of the Antelope Valley Press “People Who Make a Difference” award. He especially enjoyed teaching junior high age students. One of the highlights of his career was when he took a trip to Washington DC with his students. He had the pleasure of seeing many of his students grow in the

community and was very proud of his students and the successes they have had as adults.

Ramon joined the Elks Lodge Palmdale #2027 in May of 1994, and received his Honorary Life Membership on March 11, 2011. He served two terms as Exalted Ruler, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and Chaired Americanism, Scholarship Committees, and worked with the Sea Cadets, he enjoyed participating on these committees. He proudly volunteered at the Moving Wall in November 1999 at McAdam Park in Palmdale, CA. He was also a member of the VFW Palmdale Post 3552 and American Legion Post 348.

He will be greatly missed by his family and the many people who knew and loved him.

He will be laid to rest at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Gary Sinise Foundation (specific to Veterans) and the Elks Lodge 2027 (Palmdale).