ARMANDO HERNANDEZ of Greenwood, IN, our remarkable father and grandfather, embodied living life to its fullest potential.  He lived a life with the kind of freedom that most people wish they had.  For him-age was only a number.  He never let his age dictate what he could or could not do in life.  In May 2023, he was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. In spite of the diagnosis, he faced his battle with so much bravery, strength and dignity and was embraced with so much love from his family and friends here and across the country.

Sadly, he passed in the comfort of his daughter's home on June 21, 2023 at the age of 79 - surrounded by his family.  Mando was born in Benavides, Texas on September 29, 1943 to Adan and Praxedis Hernandez.  He was the youngest of four children.  After growing up in Texas, he moved to East Chicago, Indiana in the early 1960s to work for Inland Steel Company.  While in East Chicago, he met his future wife, Gloria, and the rest was history.  Armando and Gloria were married on December 14, 1964 and went on to raise their family within the northwest Indiana region.

After 41 years of working for Inland, he retired.  While he moved to Greenwood, Indiana in 2019, this never stopped him from visiting his beloved city of Chicago.  Of all the things to love in the Windy City, the music scene was his favorite.  He was an avid music lover-especially when it came to blues, with some of his favorites being Tedeschi Trucks Band, Buddy Guy and Janiva Magness.

He loved just sitting outside with a beer and listening to music with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Adan and Praxedis (Gonzalez) Hernandez, his brother, Adan Hernandez Jr., his sister, Herlinda Saldivar, his wife, Gloria Hernandez and son, Armando Hernandez Jr.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Alena (Vince) Roby of Greenwood, IN, Melissa (Terry) Valde of Greenwood, IN and Bianca Hernandez of Greenwood, IN, granddaughter, Sydney Valde, grandsons, Anthony Gipson, Vincent Valde and Evan Hernandez; and sister, Eva Perez.  Additionally, he will be deeply missed by his extended family in Texas, Kansas, Illinois and Indiana.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 2PM until 5PM at the mortuary.  A celebration of life service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 5PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Johnson County, 3827 North Graham Road, Franklin, IN or at www.hsjc.org.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday, September 30, 2023  from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Freer Furniture, 5112 Highway 16 South, Freer, Texas.