Augustine M. Hernandez

Augustine “Augie” Hernandez, Jr., 81, a longtime resident of Bakerfield, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2022, in Lutz, FL after a prolonged illness. Augie was born on January 18, 1941, in Knott, TX to Augustine and Bessie (Brasher) Hernandez. He attended local schools there before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1960, earning the rank of Sergeant. After basic training in Fort Bening, GA, he was eventually deployed to Germany, where he proudly served his country during the building of the Berlin Wall. In 1963 he moved with his wife to join family members in the place he would call home for the next 50 years-Bakersfield, CA. After coming to California, they went on to have two children, Sonja and Austin. Augie spent 23 years as a certified ARC welder in the farm irrigation industry, spending most of those years as a Foreman at Irrigation Supply in Bakersfield. He knew in his heart he was called to Christian ministry and was ordained as a minister in 1984. He was a graduate of the Morris Cerullo School of Ministry and the Supernatural Ministries Training Institute (SMTI). In 1989, he and his wife founded Greater Bakersfield Ministries, where he served as Pastor until his retirement in 2012. He built a vibrant church serving the community of East Bakersfield. Throughout his ministry, he had a heart for the local church as well as the mission field. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Africa, and Central America preaching the gospel. In addition to his ministry and travels, Augie was a great athlete who loved to compete. He participated in the Greenacres Baseball League as a young man playing second-base and was a 3rd degree Black Belt in karate. Later in his life, he became an avid golfer. He often joined local pastors for a weekly round of golf and never lost his love of sports and friendly competition. Augie led a rich life and was loved by many people from all walks of life. He cherished being a father, brother, uncle, pastor, veteran, and friend, but nothing compared to being Grandpa to his only grandchild, Jillian Alexandra. Augie was preceded in death by his parents, Augustine and Bessie Hernandez, brothers Jesse L. Hernandez, Max Hernandez, Juan Hernandez, Jesse R. Hernandez, Joe Hernandez, Lloyd Sorenson and Dewayne Sorenson; sisters Deloris Hernandez, Mary Vickers, Vernell Cheatam and Marie Corley. He is survived by his son, Austin Hernandez, daughter Sonja Hernandez Bussell (James) and granddaughter Jillian; former wife Faye Hernandez; sisters Betty Land and Minnie Ball; brother Larry Sorenson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be August 14 from 4:00 -6:00 pm and funeral service August 15 at 10:00 am, both at Basham Funeral Care (3312 Niles Street), followed by a private graveside service at Bakersfield National Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Basham Funeral Care, however, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating in Augie’s honor to your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.