David Anthony Hernandez

David Anthony Hernandez left this world peacefully on October 24th, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.

David was born September 4th,1951 in Long Beach, CA. He was the second of four children. He is preceded in death by his parents/stepparents Ismael "Hank" & Tillie Hernandez and Marie & Bernie George, is survived by his loyal wife of 48 years, Kathy, and his daughters, Jennifer Simpson (Chad) and Brieana Hernandez (Dave), his adoring grandson, Lukas, as well as his supportive siblings; Michael Hernandez, Mark Hernandez and Denise Hernandez. And lots of extended family and friends. 

David lived in Southern California all of his life. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1969 and enlisted in the Marines afterwards. He proudly served from 1971-1977 and worked as a Driver and Rifle Sharpshooter. He was rerouted midflight on his way to Vietnam and was sent to Okinawa, Japan instead where he lived for a few years. Honorable mentions include receiving the National Defense Service Medal after completing boot camp at Camp Pendleton as well as being the only one to graduate Private First Class. He and Kathy knew of each other in High School, but they reconnected years later at Lakewood Center Mall while he was on a shopping trip with Denise and the rest is history. They married on May 14th, 1977. They lived in Lakewood for the first few years of marriage then moved to Simi Valley in 1981 shortly after Brieana was born. They spent 44 years together in the same home. He worked for many years in Sales as a Project Manager and enjoyed yardwork, crafting and woodworking. Camping and surfing along the southern California coast was also a big part of who he was from childhood to adulthood. Many wonderful memories and happy times were made at the beach, especially Refugio State Beach Campground. 

David or "Duckman" as so many knew him, was notorious for his sense of humor. His deep & loud booming voice and funny impersonations made sure there was never a shortage of laughs when he was around. Kathy will forever cherish her "honey baby" and their nearly five decades of love. His oldest daughter, Jennifer, bonded with him early on over music, baseball and his delicious BBQ chicken. His youngest daughter, Brieana, recalls fond memories of him coming home from work during the summer months and doing a cannonball straight into their pool fully clothed. He loved swimming and entertaining in their home and she will never forget all the laughter that they shared. His sister, Denise, said that he was the first person who ever truly made her laugh as well as inspired her love of music, her first 45 record (The Beach Boys) was a gift from him. From lightening the mood with funny faces during their adolescent years, being her wingman while going out and giving men fake phone numbers to the tune of 867-5309 and taking her to see Bruce Lee movies, where they reenacted scenes afterwards while walking home, always had them cracking each other up. To this day, "Enter the Dragon" is a must watch each Christmas in honor of him. His brothers, Michael and Mark, recall lots of fond memories spent hanging out & surfing at Tin Can Beach near Bolsa Chica and getting tacos at Jack in the Box afterwards. Michael remembers a lot of childhood memories spent with David since they were only a year apart in age, many meals shared and fun times had at The Pike in Long Beach. They both served in the military and even though David was the younger brother, he wanted to make sure that his big brother Michael was ready for the Navy so he brought him over to a friend's house to learn how to box so he could defend himself if needed. Michael thought that was pretty cool of David to care enough to do that. Another childhood memory happened at a neighborhood pool where David was obsessed with his prized duck fins that he brought and sadly forgot, but Michael made sure to go back and get them, likely sparking his Duckman alter ego. Mark holds a chaotic Christmas memory dear that started with a disastrous family feud and a flipped over dinner table but ended with lots of laughter and a feast of 7-11 nachos instead. He also was victim to many big brother shenanigans involving rooftop ladder stunts and shooting bow & arrow targets in their backyard while using Mark to hold down the base. David was a true character and was effortlessly laugh-out-loud funny like several of his loved ones have mentioned. A natural salesman who could sell ice to an Eskimo. Late nights spent dancing at the bar in the Hernandez house is a fond memory for so many of their friends and family. He had excellent taste in music, from jazz to country, and typically was the life of the party who enjoyed two-stepping with his bride whenever possible. He was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and a very proud Papa to Lukas. He shared many sweet memories with him between California and Texas over the past six years. His witty humor and infectious laugh will be missed by all who loved him. Rest in Peace. Semper Fi.