Elias Hernandez

Elias O. Hernandez, 94, a lifetime resident of Cheyenne, died to this life on August 18, 2018. He was born March 7, 1924 in Cheyenne to Josepha (nee Ochoa) and Francisco Hernandez. His parents arrived in the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico and settled in Cheyenne to raise their family. Upon completion of 8th grade, he quit school in order to help support his family. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corp. at the age of 16. In 1941 he was honorably discharged from the CCC in Laramie. Upon his discharge, in order to save money, he walked from Laramie to Cheyenne, stopping overnight at Lone Tree Junction to rest. When he arrived in Cheyenne the following day, his shoes had to be cut off of him because his feet were so swollen. He vowed that day to never be without his own transportation. He taught himself to drive in a 1924 Ford Coupe and was driving every day until just a few years ago. He enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII in 1943 and was sent to the Philippines. He served his country in various jobs, including guarding prisoners, longshoreman work and as a Ward Attendant in a military hospital. Due to an injury sustained during the war, he was honorably discharged on April 10, 1946. Elias received the American Theatre Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and Meritorious Unit Award. He returned to Cheyenne and was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for 44 years in Maintenance for the Power Plant and Steam Engines and also as a Stationary Fireman. The steam engines were his babies. Upon his retirement, he could usually be found outside enjoying the fresh air, driving or playing pool. He loved reminiscing about his father and uncle taking him rabbit hunting, and how his father taught him to be independent upon the untimely death of his mother. His close friends knew him as "The Coyote." He was a trusting man with a strong sense of loyalty to those he cared about. His father, mother, uncle, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews, as well as his adopted family, were dear to his heart. A graveside service with full military honors will be conducted on Saturday, August 25 at 3:00 p.m. at Beth El Cemetery. Anyone wishing to send condolences is asked instead to visit a lonely person, look someone in the eye and smile at them, lend a helping hand to someone who may be too proud to ask, check on that elderly or disabled neighbor you've been meaning to visit and, most especially, treat our senior citizens with respect, kindness and dignity. Visit a nursing home and take your children. Teach them compassion. The impact of your actions will have a more lasting impact than a condolence card.

Service

Saturday, August 25, 2018 3:00pm

Beth El Cemetery

Pershing Blvd. and Seymour ave.

CHEYENNE, WY