ERNEST S. "CHAPA" HERNANDEZ

Oct. 23, 1949 - April 11, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Ernest S. Hernandez, 63, passed away at 5:05 am, Thursday, April 11, 2013 in the Michiana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Ernest was born October 23, 1949 in Brownsville, TX. and raised in South Bend to the late Beatrice (Salas) and Enrique Hernandez, Sr. Ernest is preceded in death by brothers, Enrique Hernandez, Jr., Francisco Hernandez, Sr. and Lazaro Hernandez, Sr.; and sisters, Esperanza H. Davis, Nestora H. Torrez and Carmen H. Garza.

Survivors include his adoptive family; son, Juan (Michele) Leyva of South Bend; grandson, Juan (Junebug) Leyva, Jr. and all Leyva family members; sister, Maria Magdalena H. Canul of South Bend; brothers, Juan S. (Maria) Hernandez of South Bend, and Robert S. (Sally) Hernandez Sr. of South Bend; and many nieces and nephews.

Ernest graduated from Washington High School and received his Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University.

He retired October 31, 2011 from the Social Security Administration after eleven years of service; and he was a parishioner of St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Ernie "Chapa" was a gentle, loving person; he loved kids, and in spite of being in a wheelchair (due to an automobile accident) since the age of 19 he volunteered at La Casa De Amistad (Youth Center) and served on its board; he was their bookkeeper, counselor and Boy Scout Leader. He loved sports, especially baseball and coached the Lulac baseball teams. Ernie also ventured and coached the women "Las Tejanas" softball team and was a longtime president and commissioner of the American Baseball League.

Private services for Ernest will be held. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd, is assisting the family. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net

Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 13, 2013.

04/08/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/ernest-hernandez-obituary?id=7663951