The Honorable District Judge Enrique "Henry" Fernandez passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on August 30, 1958, in Del Rio, Texas to B.L. Fernandez and Lydia Quintanilla Fernandez. Judge Fernandez was known throughout his life for his kindness, unwavering fairness, and absolute humility. Judge Fernandez carried the values of his small-town upbringing with him throughout his life. A self-described "small town boy from Del Rio," his personal life and legal career were marked by integrity. True to his roots, Judge Fernandez enjoyed baseball, fishing, and playing golf. He was an outstanding competitor in each.

As a young boy, Henry participated in little league and Babe Ruth baseball. He and his teammates became Babe Ruth baseball State Champions. Henry was a 1976 graduate of Del Rio High School, where he excelled and was an outstanding athlete for the Del Rio High School Baseball Team. He subsequently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979. He was an avid University of Texas sports fan throughout his life. Henry then attended law school at the University of Houston Law Center and graduated in 1983. After completing his law degree, he returned to his hometown to practice law with the Lowrey, Foster, and Hodge firm in Del Rio, Texas.

A dedicated advocate and servant of the local community, Henry served as the local County Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Interim District Attorney and Assistant Attorney General for the Child Support Division. Henry subsequently served with distinction as the 63rd Judicial District Judge for the State of Texas. He earned widespread respect for his calm, patient demeanor. Despite his position, he never let it go to his head. Judge Fernandez treated everyone the same-whether you were an attorney, a member of the court staff, or a criminal defendant, you could expect to be treated with dignity and respect.

Aside from serving the community through legal practice, Judge Fernandez also served as a life­ long member, and former president, of the United Civic Organization ("UCO"). He was also heavily involved with St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Judge Fernandez was a life-long parishioner and served as Director, Co-Director, and a Core Member of the A.C.T.S community at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Judge Fernandez is preceded in death by his parents and great-nephew, Joshua Caleb Rousseaux. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Dr. Mayra Latoni-Fernandez; son Joey Fernandez; sister, Conchita San Miguel and husband Joe; brothers Roberto "Bobby" Fernandez and wife Margot; Arturo Fernandez and wife Antonia "Toni"; Ricky Fernandez; niece, Sandra San Miguel Rousseaux and husband Jon; nephews, Roberto Fernandez, Jr. and wife Alaina; Javier Fernandez and wife Melanie; Arturo Fernandez, Jr.; great nephews and nieces, Cayden and Gabriel Rousseaux, Ava and Roberto Fernandez, Ill, Javier Fernandez, Jr. and Mila; cousins, and his sole surviving uncle the Honorable Judge Mike L. Fernandez.

Judge Fernandez will be sorely missed and remembered for his faith, his love of family, appreciation of friends, and his passion for the law as a devoted public servant. He was known, not only for his sharp-legal mind, but also for his compassion, humility, and his unwavering belief in the dignity of every individual who entered the courtroom over which he presided. He referred to his judicial service as "toiling in the vineyards of justice."

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM; recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 2020 N. Bedell Ave, Del Rio, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 510 Wernett St, Del Rio, Texas.

Gentlemen with the honor of pallbearers are Arturo Fernandez, Jr., Bobby Fernandez, Jr., Javier Fe1nandez, Donnie Fernandez, Mark Fernandez, Michael Rivera. Honorary Pallbearers The Honorable Sergio Gonzalez, The Honorable Robert Cadena, The Honorable Tom Lee, The Honorable Mike Fernandez, Carlos Latoni, David Martinez, Leo Martinez, Raul Santos, David Ortiz, Byron Hodge, and Jose "Joe" San Miguel.

Funeral services will conclude after the funeral mass.