Ernesto Hernandez

Ernesto Javier Lara Hernandez, 23 year old Grove resident, went home to be with the Lord on July 31, 2020.  Javi was born in Morelia, Mexico on March 27, 1997.  When Javi was 10 years old, his family moved to Grove, Oklahoma.  He flourished in the Grove community being very active in track, football, and wrestling.  Upon high school graduation, he received multiple athletic scholarships, but chose to focus more on his studies than sports.  He earned his Associate’s degree from NEO college, but missed his graduation ceremony, as he was already proudly serving the Marines in San Diego, CA.  In the Marines, Javier continued to flourish, making history for how quickly he rose in rank.  He was an Honor Graduate from the Marine Corps and was sure to let everyone know he came from Grove, Oklahoma.  While remaining in the Marine Corps Reserves, Javi continued his studies at the University of Oklahoma, pursuing a degree in Health and Exercise.  His parents always taught him, “If you start something, you finish it”.  It brings much joy to the family’s heart, learning this week that Javier passed his final class, therefore finishing his degree at OU.

While at OU Javier ministered to new students from foreign countries.  He was sure to show them around, take them shopping, translate for them, anything he could do to take them under his wing.  Javi was full of life and was a joy to be around.  Along with spending time with his family and friends, he also loved being out on the lake, boating and skiing.

Javier is survived by his parents, Javier and Veronica Lara, his loving fiancé Lupita Lara Silva, his brother Pedro “Peter” Lara Hernandez, his grandparents, Javier Lara and Maria Guadalupe, Efrain Hernandez and Andrea Renteral all of Mexico, and his honorary grandparents, Paul and Jo Eve Green and James and Rebekah Stewart of Grove, OK, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family.

Memorial services will be 5:30 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 at the Worley Luginbuel Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com or on the Worley Luginbuel Facebook page.