Larry Hilario Hernandez

Larry Hilario Hernandez passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 27, 2026, in St. Charles, Missouri. He was born on April 11, 1938, in Centerville, Iowa, and lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep devotion to those he loved, and a humility that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Larry was remembered as humble, quiet, modest, loving, generous, kind, and faith filled. He always worried about everyone else first, never complained, remained positive, and refused to dwell on anything negative. Those qualities shaped the way he moved through the world and the way he cared for his family, friends, and community.

One of the great blessings of Larry’s life was his enduring love story with his wife, Charlotte “Lolly” Hernandez. She fell in love with him when she was fifteen, and the two began dating before marrying in 1958. Their marriage of 68 years stood as one of Larry’s proudest accomplishments, a beautiful bond that lasted nearly 70 years and became the foundation of a loving family.

Larry’s talents were many, though he carried them with remarkable modesty. He was an excellent billiard player and was widely known in the St. Louis area as one of the best pool players around. True to his humble nature, he never boasted, and he never even spoke to his family about the awards and trophies he earned. Music was another great part of his life. Coming from a very musical family, Larry loved to play the guitar and extended his gifts to the mandolin, piano, and harmonica. He also played the organ in church as a young boy, and he loved to sing, sharing a beautiful voice with those around him. He was also a dedicated runner for 35 years, running five miles every day and completing three marathons and several half marathons, earning awards in each of them. He was very athletic and passed on his love for sports to his children.

Larry enjoyed an illustrious career at McDonnell Douglas / The Boeing Company where he worked as a supervising engineer for almost forty-three years. Larry also gave of himself in service to others as an auxiliary police officer with the O’Fallon Police Department for 20 years. In every part of his life—at home, in his hobbies, in his Catholic faith, and in service—he brought the same steady character and generous heart.

Above all, Larry was proud of his family. In addition to his beloved wife Charlotte, he is survived by his children Rita Schlenke (Frank), Gregory Hernandez (Stacey), and Kathy Miller (Will). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Jessica Dwyer, Matthew Dwyer (Alyssa), Nicholas “Nick” Schlenke (Jordan), and Jennifer Hernandez and great grandchildren Lucas, Sophia, Nathan, Audrey, Eleanor, Mia, and Liam.. He is further survived by his brother Raymond Hernandez (Phyllis). The love Larry gave to his family, and the pride he took in his children and grandchildren, will remain one of the clearest and most treasured parts of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his son Larry Dean Hernandez; his father Hilario Hernandez; his stepmother Mary Hernandez; his mother Agnes Saldaña Hernandez Wakefield; his stepfather Clarence Wakefield; his brothers Eugene Hernandez, Ronald Hernandez, Thomas Wakefield, and Timothy Wakefield; and his sister Lena Anita Hernandez.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on September 10, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 403 N Main St, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church. A graveside service will take place afterward on September 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

Larry Hernandez lived with grace, talent, faith, and a rare humility. He loved deeply, served quietly, and left behind the example of a life centered on family, perseverance, and kindness. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to Masses or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.