Grandfather, father, son, brother, uncle, soldier, police officer, friend

Son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, soldier, police officer, and beloved friend to many, Louie R. Hernandez Jr. died on January 1.

Louie was born December 19, 1942 to Louie and Mickey Hernandez, long-time residents of Claremont. He attended Claremont schools, graduating from Claremont High 1960. He then attended Chaffey College, and later earned his master’s degree at La Verne College (now University of La Verne), then his doctorate at Pepperdine University.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1963, completed basic and airborne training, and went on to become a Green Beret. He served our country in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965 and was awarded the Bronze Star for exemplary service in combat. After military service, he joined the Pomona Police Department in 1967, serving for 34 years and retiring as lieutenant. Post retirement, he worked for several years at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center as head of security.

He was also a competitive power lifter and received numerous national and world awards in his weight class.

He is survived by sons Louie Hernandez III and Nick Hernandez, and daughters Elyse Haynes and Alexandra Hernandez. He is also survived by his sisters, Rose French and Susan Hernandez Tarvin.