Carlos Martinez Hernandez

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Carlos passed away on August 9th, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born in El Paso, Texas on September 4th, 1936 to Teofilo Hernandez and Maria Hernandez, both of whom preceded him in death. In 1959 Carlos proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving until 1962. After completing his military service, he married the love of his life Aurora Lizardo Hernandez. Together, Carlos and Aurora shared nearly 50 years of marriage, building a family and a lifetime of memories before her passing. Carlos had a strong work ethic and spent much of his life working with his hands. After his time in the Army, he and his brother Tofy started their own trucking company Hernandez Brothers, where Carlos worked as a truck driver. In 1973 he began working for Kings County Truck Lines as a diesel mechanic, a career he dedicated himself to for many years. He retired in 1999. After retirement Carlos enjoyed spending more time with the people who meant the most to him, his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren became an especially important part of his life. He treasured family time and the memories they created together. He also enjoyed spending much of his time with Don Dolan at Double D Towing where he loved being a part of the team. Carlos had a love for good, spicy food, especially chile con carne and he rarely went without his favorite side of Tabasco. Carlos is survived by his children, Rodney Hernandez, Melinda Hernandez, Edward Hernandez and wife Lulu Hernandez He was preceded in death by his son, Charles Hernandez. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Charles Ray Hernandez and wife, Desiree Hernandez; Michaela Hernandez and Carley Forner, and his great-grandchildren, Michelle Rae Hernandez, Charles Ray Hernandez Jr., and Jasmine Rae Hernandez. Carlos was preceded in death by his parents, Teofilo and Maria Hernandez, and his siblings, Leonor, Catalina, Ophelia, Tofy, and Johnny. Carlos leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, love, and family. From serving his country, to driving trucks, repairing diesel engines, and eventually enjoying his retirement surrounded by those he loved, he lived a life filled with purpose and family. Though he is no longer here, his stories, his traditions, his sense of humor, and the love he gave his family will continue to live on through the generations. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. Viewing will be held 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 at North Tulare Public Cemetery, 4572 North J. St., Tulare. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Carlos Martinez Hernandez

September 4, 1936 - August 9, 2026