Jose A. Fernandez Jr. Loving Husband, Beloved Father, Grandfather, loyal Friend and Patriot was peacefully welcomed into the Lord’s loving embrace on March 23, 2025 at the age of 78.
Butch was born October 8th, 1946, to Jose and Henrietta Fernandez of Clarksville, Indiana, where he graduated from Providence High School in 1963.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister Georgie Hunter.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elaine. Butch left behind a legacy of love in his sons Stephen and Bobby (who are both Air Force veterans) and their spouses Jennifer and Marisa, grandchildren 2Lt Dominic Fernandez (25), Anna Fernandez (23), Ethan Fernandez (21), Brock Fernandez (16) and Brice Fernandez (16) as well as a long and loving list of close family and friends.
Butch was a proud Marine and Air Force Air National Guard veteran who served in Vietnam as well as the 123rd Airlift Wing as a C-130 Loadmaster in operations Just Cause and Desert Storm. Butch also retired after a 20-year distinguished career as a Louisville City Police Officer and received his BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville.
Butch found strength in his unbending devotion to the Love of his Life, Elaine, and was known for his tremendous love of family, often found bragging about his son’s and grandchildren’s life and athletic accomplishments. Butch was a dependable and loyal friend and demonstrated a strong faith and sense of community as a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Louisville, Ky.
Butch had a talent to make those around him feel comfortable and connected and was always ready for a celebration, which he often demonstrated by revealing his favorite beer koozie from his back pocket. Butch was one of a kind, loved life, loved his family & friends, loved his country, and his passing will be felt by all those who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Butch’s memory. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Louisville, Ky.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Butch’s name to Special Operations Warrior Foundation https://www.kyspecialops.org.