Dan Louis Hernandez, Jr.

Dan Louis Hernandez, Jr., age 71, of Slocum, Texas, left this world for his heavenly home on Saturday, the 11th day of July 2026.  “Dano” as he was best known was born in Mineral Wells, Texas on the 27th day of January 1955 to the late Dan L. Hernandez and Lynn Hawthorn Hernandez.

For over 28 years, Dano protected his neighbors as a volunteer firefighter and served as Safety Chief for the Slocum Volunteer Fire Department. Outside of his volunteer service before retiring, Dano was a familiar face to many through his career in the air conditioning business, where his genuine nature earned him lifelong friends. Many years ago, Dano and his late wife, Cathy, were the proud owners and operators of the Bowman’s Country Corner Store in Denson Springs, Texas, creating a gathering place that remains a fond memory for locals.

Dano was a man of action who loved the great outdoors. He was happiest when he was fishing, hunting, or out shooting guns. He possessed a generous heart, always looking for ways to help anyone in need, and he held a deep affection for dogs. Above all his hobbies, his absolute favorite pastime was spending quality time with his grandchildren, whom he adored completely.

Dano was also a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge, living out the values of charity daily. Known as the go-to source for local happenings, he always had his finger on the pulse of the community and loved sharing a good story or update with his friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dan and Lynn Hernandez, wife Cathy Hernandez, daughter Diane Hernandez, and his brother Chuck Hernandez.

Dano’s legacy of bravery and kindness will live on through his wife Valerie Hernandez; son, Dan “Trey” Hernandez, III; stepdaughters, Crystal Broyles, Amanda Thrap; stepsons, Randy Porter and wife Sara, Kevin Broyles and wife Kat, and Russell Broyles.  Dano also leaves behind his grandchildren, Brayden Daniels, Bradley Hernandez, Joseph Olandese, Heather Olandese, Marinda Porter, Celeste Porter, Hunter Porter, Sophia Porter, Chloe Casebolt, Emily Broyles, Rebel Scott, and Malaki Thrap, numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a multitude of friends.

Visitation will be from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 16th day of July 2026 at Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

A firefighter honor guard funeral service to honor the life of Dan Hernandez is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 17th day of July 2026, in the Slocum High School Gymnasium, 2764 FM 2022, Elkhart, Texas. Bro. Jamie Hogan will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in Muse Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are the Slocum Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to honor Dano's service to the Slocum Volunteer Fire Department, 5710 E. State Highway 294, Elkhart, Texas 75839.

Funeral services for Dan Louis Hernandez, Jr. are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.