Robert Michael Hernandez

God called Robert Michael Hernandez home on Monday, February 3, 2009. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing in the comfort of his home. Robert was born December 8, 1923 in Los Angeles, California; he was the son of Michael & Lilia (Endemano) Hernandez. Robert was 85 years old.   Robert married the love of his life Valerie Du Rand on May 18, 1951; they shared many years of love, family, and togetherness with memories that will last forever.   He served his Country proudly in the United States Army as a radio operator and was a veteran of World War II. He received a Good Conduct Medal, European African Medal, and Air Medal GO 3404 WD 44 with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Robert took part in battles and campaigns in Northern France, Southern France, Air Combat Balkans, Northern Appenines, Rhineland, and Rome Arno GO 40WD 45. He also enlisted in the Air Force and Marine Corp. Robert was a Aerial Belly Gunner and attended AAF Technical school, AAF Radio Opr-Mech school, and AAf Laredo Texas Aerial Gunnery school. His main occupation in the military was a draftsman, tool designer and checker. Robert made detailed drawings for the making of jigs and dies and designs for various uses on Navy and Army Dive Bombers. He sent airborne messsages in the international morse code, he used tone and light signals in the same code from B-24 Liberator Bomber over enemy territory and flew as lead operator on combat bombing missions.   Robert was self employed as an Architect and created blueprints for St. Michael's Abbey, Redhill Lutheran Church in California, Santa Anna Municipal Stadium, several office complexes and homes and many other grand creations that became stunning buildings. He was licensed in several other states including CA, NV, AZ & TX.   Robert lived in Arizona since 1995 and previously in California. He was a devoted member of St. Germaine?s Catholic Church in Prescott Valley. He enjoyed playing golf, writing, architecture, history, and the love of his family. Robert was most proud of his Military service, his family and his devoted wife Valerie. Robert will be greatly missed.   He is survived by his loving wife Valerie of Prescott Valley, AZ; son?s- Michael (Pam) Hernandez of Orange, CA; Gregory (Donna) Hernandez of Prescott Valley, AZ; Steven Hernandez of Prescott Valley, AZ; daughter?s- Leanne (Phil) Withrow of Yucca Valley, CA; Michele Hernandez of Alamosa, CO; grandchildren- Jessica, Joseph, Marissa, great grandchildren- Tegan, Sydney, Nicole, Seth, Noah, & Holden; sister- Lillian Hernandez of Cathedral City, CA.