Joe R. Hernandez
January 30, 2013
Joe R. Hernandez, 63, long-time Des Moines vocalist and bass guitarist, gave his final performance on Earth before making his grand entrance into Heaven on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, fellow musicians, and his loving wife.
Joe was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2010. After aggressive treatment and surgery, he was able to enjoy a year of peaceful remission. During his remission, Joe spent time visiting and reconnecting with family and friends from all over the Midwest. After a reoccurrence of his cancer in 2012, he worked closely with the world-class physicians and staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago. His progress was optimistic until a staph infection abruptly changed the course of his life.
Born to Raul and Josephine (Pabon) Hernandez in Fort Madison, Iowa, on
April 5, 1949, it became apparent at an early age that Joe’s natural talent, love of music, and his amazing voice would lead to a long, distinguished career. His first performances were on the street corners of Fort Madison’s Mexican Village at the age of four, singing to all who passed by. Soon he was singing Mariachi ballads in Spanish on stage with his dad. Joe took piano lessons, but at age 13, fell in love with the bass guitar. With the right instruments in place -- his voice and his bass -- Joe began his life-long career as a musician, culminating in his induction into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
At age fifteen and already a bass guitar sensation, Joe was sought after by one of Iowa‘s most renowned bands, The Cavaliers. Shortly after joining the band, The Cavaliers recorded their first 45 RPM “Wait for Me I’m Coming,” which rose to an impressive #21 on the record charts, making them one of the most popular soul bands in the Midwest, regularly playing for standing-room-only crowds. On the flipside of the 45 record was “Time,” written and performed by Joe.
Joe’s musical career spanned an impressive 50+ years. He was a tremendously talented individual who insisted on precision and excellence in every performance. Joe performed with many musicians over the years. From the original Cavaliers, he performed with Gary Grimes, Dr. Steven Gleason, Dominic Guidichessi and Marvin Spencer, to all of the musicians who filled the big shoes of those who retired from the band, such as Tony Valdez, John Logan, Jim Parker, Carey Crowson, Joe Burriola, Janey Hooper, Del Jones, and countless others. Joe continued to perform with Tony Valdez and the Retro Rockets until his last day which included many of his former Cavalier band mates. In the 1990s, Joe joined his brother RJ to perform with Las Guitarras de Mexico, where his smooth voice and rich harmonies brought both traditional Mexican and new rock and soul music to life.
Joe was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Madison, Iowa, and after a long absence from the church, regained his faith and made St. Ambrose Cathedral his church home. Joe was united in marriage to Karla Thacker on June 17, 2006, in a beautiful, music-rich ceremony at St. Ambrose Cathedral. Later, the newlyweds moved to St. Anthony Catholic Church which has been their parish home for the past five years.
Other than his first love, music, Joe enjoyed working at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino dealing cards. True to his character, he developed his own “show” and many patrons gambled at his tables regularly to hear his catchy lines and silly sayings. On the weekend, his focus was spending as much time with Karla and preparing other couples for the sacrament of marriage and they also shared duties as Eucharistic Ministers.
Joe’s remarkable talents and warm personality are carried on through his children: Joe Hernandez, Jr. (Dixie), Gina Turner (Josh), Jesse Hernandez (Bobbi), and Jolee Donnelly (Steven); his grandchildren: Joe Hernandez, III, Gary Hernandez, Layla, Maurice, and Penelope Turner, and Leland Hernandez; as well as his great-grandchildren, Lily and Kaylee.
Joe also leaves his precious wife, Karla, and her children: Keishia Thacker, Asia Thacker, Roumel Thacker (Kacei), Kendra Sterling, and Diondra Sterling, and grandchildren, Corianna and Melvin Moore, Malaysia Chavez, and babies, Lyila Morris and Roman Thacker, whom he looked forward to playing with every day. Joe will be missed by his siblings: RJ Hernandez (Terry), Jacqueline Wells (Denny), Connie Limke (David), and Monica Riley (Steve); as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and countless friends, fans, and fellow musicians.
Friends will be welcomed to a visitation and wake from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. The Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite memories to share during visitation.
A Musical Celebration of Life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest following the services at Masonic Cemetery.
Following the internment, the family would like to extend a very special invitation to all Joe’s friends and fellow musicians, to bring your musical talents for a Farewell Jam Session to celebrate Joe’s life and music career, at the Windsor Heights Community Center, 6900 School Street, beginning at 2 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided for one last “Salud!” in honor of Joe -- THE Cavalier.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Yolanda Perez
01/27/2024
Joe you are missed so much since your passing 11years ago. I play your music and picture you belting out the songs and loving every second of it. You knew you had a god-given gift cuz, and you shared that gift with many many people. My memories go back to the little boy that would sing along with a 45 to oh where have you been Billy boy . The little fella that did his Elvis Presley impersonation at a Richardson School talent show and stole the show. Always I was so proud and happy for you. I know what you are doing in heaven, Joe. Singing your heart out! Sending you love and hugs
Yuki
Susan Tejeda
02/08/2013
To Karla the family in Iowa I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful person. He was such a kind and gentle soul and I heard that beauty come through in his music. I am so saddened to see God take Joe so early; it is truly a loss. I have kept the family in my prayers. I pray that Joe is now out of pain and you will celebrate and greive his loss healthy.
Frank & Bette Sandoval
02/08/2013
Altho Joe didn't really know us, we were friends of his parents. We extend our deepest condolences to his siblings, wife, and family. We were privileged to listen to him play in a band in the late 1960's in Des Moines and with Las Guitarras de Mexico in Fort Madison. What a talent!
Michael Jennings (The Duke)
02/07/2013
My sincere condolences. I pray for peace for the family. Joe will never be forgotten.
John Villotti
02/07/2013
Countless times The Cavaliers were the reason I drove to Des Moines and spent the night.
He didn't know me well but once he stopped me from smoking a cigarette.
Good journey!
Carmen Puga
02/06/2013
My deepest sympathy to Karla and my cousins, Ralph, Jackie, Connie, Monica. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you guys!
Sarah
02/06/2013
I worked with Joe and got to know him over the years. He was the best dressed man I've ever seen and had the "bling" to go with it. But he was so much more than that. He had deep passion for his family and music. Joe gave great advise, weather sometimes you wanted to listen or not. I remember talking to him about my past marriage and having children involved. He told me many things that I didn't care to hear years ago, but I have now learned that he was right. When I spoke with him about my son playing guitar he lit up and began to talk passionately about music and how it can keep kids focused and out of trouble, we also spoke of my daughter who was shy but sang and played guitar. He said let that be the way she comes out of her shell, she will feel the music. He was right all those years ago! Joe was a unique man he wasn't afraid to pray before his meal, and in a casino break room you don't see that often. I admired Joe also for the advise he gave my husband and I on raising a big family and having kids with special needs, he said as long as you and Jason have a strong marriage you can conquer anything! I believe he's right once again. I know lots of players will miss his "that's they way!" comment that he was ever so famous for. Joe will be missed by many. You never realize how much someone effected your life or you learned from one individual until they are gone. I'm thankful for the advise I received so long ago.
Jerry Swertfager
02/06/2013
See you higher up buddy
Vickie Noble
02/06/2013
Remember When You Stopped By Our Home in North Little Rock, Arkansas (Family). When you Were on Tour For Your Hit Record 'Time'. And I Wouldn't Let You & The Band Leave Until you Sang Time in Our Living Room. Rest in Peace!! Vickie Noble.
Bill & Pam Thompson & Family
02/04/2013
We will keep your family in our prayers. Sending you love and peace!
Deb Hoyt
02/03/2013
I have know Joe for many years as manager of bars where he played since I was a young girl, to nicer bars that I managed as an OLDER girl (HaHa) and knew all 3 wives and especially friends with first wife Karen and 3rd wife Karla. I cannot begin to feel the pain you all feel with such a great loss in your lives- but I know it is affecting mine. I have known Joe 30+ years and it will be such a loss not only to his family but also to the musical community. I thought things were so much better and feel awful when we saw you ( Joe and Karla) in Okoboji that I was not aware of how serious things were. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
I will never TRULY appreciate a bass player again unless they lick their fingers!!!
Margy Renner
02/03/2013
Karla, I was so sorry to hear about Joe. He was a very pleasant man when Dale and I met you both for mentoring us. I was so impressed with him. He was so genuine. I know how hard it is to loose some one as I have lost a few family members myself.He will be in our prayers and thoughts. God be with you during this time until you meet again. Dale and Margy Renner
Evetta Blanchfield
02/02/2013
Karla, I know what you are going through! I am so very sorry you have to be dealing with this horrible loss! I will keep you all in my prayers! God will get you through this next hard week! Please take care of you!!!!! We had amazing husbands! Some are not so blessed like we were! Hold on to your memories!!! Love, Evetta
Annette Thompson
02/01/2013
Karla, the few times I met Joe, I always found him very engaging, pleasant, and of course talented. More importantly, I know how much love you two shared. I am very sorry for your loss.
BARB BRILEY HUFFMAN
02/01/2013
JOE,YOU ARE THE MUSIC MAN TO ME,I MET YOU EARLY IN MY LIFE YOU HAVE A GREAT SMILE,THAT SPARKLE IN YOUR EYE,AND A GREAT SINCE OF HUMOR,YOU ARE A GENTLEMAN,YOU DID NOT LEAVE YOUR FAMILY,FREINDS,YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN THE STARS AT NITE, CAUSE GOD IN THE HEAVENS HAS PLANS FOR YOU . YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISS MY FREIND