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A loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, went to be with the Lord on July 5, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born on September 3, 1934, in San Antonio, TX. He is preceded in death by his wife, Maria S. Fernandez; parents, Jesus Fernandez and Soledad Montoya; daughters, Norma Reyna and Alicia Fernandez; siblings, Fred Fernandez and Herberto Fernandez. Fidel is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Fernandez Al-Ghizawi (Bashir); siblings, Sulema Corona, David Fernandez and Rudy Fernandez (Dorothy); 7 grandchildren, Olivia Downen-Walker (Robert), Joseph Reyna, Phillip Reyna (Brenda), Hamed Al-Ghizawi (Nsrein), Arin Reyna (Erika), Lila Al-Ghizawi (Mohamed Mabrouk) and Eden Campau (Beau); 17 great-grandchildren, Gabe Downen, Elias, Tobias and Bruno Walker, Chastity and Gavin Soto, Penelope Reyna, Jamila, Abed and Eva Al-Ghizawi, Ruben and Adela Reyna, Hanifa and Abdelmoneim Mabrouk, Ferris, Magdalena and Jude Campau; The Gurski Family, The Reyna Family, The Saenz Family, The Corona Family, The Fernandez Family and The Ayala Family. Fidel lost his father when he was eight years old. He and his older brother assumed the responsibility of financially supporting his mother, four brothers and baby sister. Although they struggled financially Fidel was forever an optimist. When he gathered with his siblings the room was always filled with joy and laughter. As a young man Fidel served his country as member of the armed forces. He served in Korea and Japan as a fireman. When Fidel returned, he held several jobs but his love for interacting with people lead him to career in insurance. Fidel sold life insurance until the age of eighty-five. He gave many families the satisfaction of knowing their loved ones would be taken care of after they left this earth. Fidel also provided estate counseling and supported several families after they lost their loved one by ensuring they received their money: often walking them through the process of submitting their claim. Fidel met the love of his life, Maria Magdalena Saenz, when he was twenty-five years old. Together they built a life of spiritual worship and family. Upon their marriage Fidel accepted Maria’s family as his own. Throughout his life Fidel attempted to remain in contact with his nieces and nephews from both sides of his families. He and Maria were married for forty-nine years. Fidel considered his three daughters, seven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren his greatest blessing. He shared his love of sports with his family, as well as his love of the outdoors. Many family vacations involved watching a baseball game or taking a fishing trip. Traditions that his family has continued with their own children and grandchildren. Visitations will be Thursday, July 14, 2022, starting at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service to begin at 1:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Jefferson Community Church at https://jeffersoncommunitychurch.com/.

Tributes

Fidel Fernandez

September 3, 1934 - July 5, 2022