Charles Frank Hernandez, Jr. (78) of Troy, MO, passed away in his home, on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Born on April 8, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY to Charles Frank, Sr. and Edith (Ryder) Hernandez. His childhood was spent in Long Island, NY surrounded by a close-knit family and active in his family church, Lynbrook Baptist Church. He is survived by his siblings, Barbara (Bruce) Greenawalt, David (Claire) Hernandez, and Janet Hernandez.
After graduating from South High School (Valley Stream, NY) in 1963, he attended Rochester Institute of Technology and then joined the United States Air Force. During which he was stationed overseas in Iceland. He then came to Columbia, Missouri to attend Mizzou and study photography. While there he earned his associates degree and met the love of his life, Gloria Faye Hernandez (Miller). The two met in a church group, were eventually wed on May 31, 1975 at Eolia Methodist Church in Eolia, MO.

The day Charles passed was their 47 ^th wedding anniversary. During their marriage they lived in Columbia, Missouri, Biloxi, Mississippi, and Eolia, MO, before settling in Troy, MO. They have two sons; Troy Hernandez of Troy, MO and Tony (Rachel) Hernandez of Troy, MO, and one grandson, Ashton Michael Parker (O'Fallon, MO).

During his life Charles had various jobs, ranging from taxi driver to published author. However he made his career serving in the Air National Guard and working as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. He had many hobbies including his beloved photography, reading, writing, traveling, trying new health trends, and watching shows varying from Downton Abby to Lost in Space. One thing Charles loved though, was a good deal! His sons have so many memories where he took them on an "adventure" because he had some sort of coupon or deal to use. Tony and Troy also shared many happy times with their father going swimming or going down water-slides at water parks.

The greatest passion in Charles life though was his love for Christ. He and Faye were active members of Chapel of the Lake in Lake Saint Louis, MO, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also was very involved with Gideons International. His dedication to Christ and love of worshiping him is showcased in his book "The Hymns" which discusses the importance of studying the songs we use to praise the Lord and how they can bring us closer to him, motivate, and teach us great lessons. Charles spent his life striving to be a true servant of God and we are so happy to know that he is finally at peace in his Lord's presence.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m., at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-8244.

A  funeral service to be held  at 1:00 p.m., also at the funeral home in Troy. Pastor Keith Spaugh to officiate. Interment to follow in the Eolia City Cemetery, Eolia, MO. Memorials may be to: Gideon's Society c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory. Family and Friends may sign the online guest book @www.mccoyblossomfh.com