Wesley "Buddy" Hernandez Lona

Obituary for Wesley Hernandez Lona Wesley Hernandez Lona, also known as “Buddy”, “Pop”, “Grandpa”, and “Dad” by those who knew and loved him, passed away in his sleep, Thursday, March 17, 2011. He was 101 years old. He was a long-time resident of the Westside of Kansas City, MO. Services will be held at Maple Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3300 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, KS. Visitation will be from 6-8PM, Friday, March 25, 2011. The Funeral and Burial Services will begin at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 26, 2011. A Celebration of Buddy’s Life Luncheon will be held at 1PM, Guadalupe Center, 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez, Kansas City, MO. Buddy was born on January 5, 1910 in Chelsea, Oklahoma to Cecilio L. Hernandez and Esther Sosa Lona. He had 10 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Manual Training High School. Buddy was born in Chelsea, Oklahoma and had lived most of his life in the Kansas City area. However, he lived in Mexico for several years in the 1930s and 1940s. He was an Automobile Master Mechanic for 75 years before retiring in 1999. He was extremely proud to be a Mexican and instilled that pride in others. Buddy was an entrepreneur. He established one of the first and oldest Latino businesses in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, Lona and Sons Auto Service. It has been in existence for over 65 years. The business was an anchor to the Westside and many persons benefitted from him. Buddy was an exemplary family man. He provided love, guidance, and support for his immediate family as well for his extended family of relatives and friends. The legacy that he leaves us is one of continual love and unity in spite of the differences and divisive issues that can tear us apart. This is what he stood for and always practiced. He would say, “I disagree with you, but let’s go get something to eat”. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Cecilio Lona Hernandez and Esther Sosa, stepmother, Maria M. Hernandez, his first wife, Damiana Cisneros, his second wife, Maria De La Luz Olvera, 6 brothers, Jairo H. Lona, Cecilio H. Lona, Rupert H. Lona, Luis M. Hernandez, Samuel M. Hernandez, and Marcelo M. Hernandez, 2 sisters, Helen L. Rodriguez and Ruth L. Dominguez. Survivors include 3 sons, Wesley C. Lona, Jr., Charles O. Lona, William “Memo” O. Lona, daughter, Esther O. Lona, 2 brothers, Victor M. Hernandez and Benjamin M. Hernandez, 3 sisters, Maria M. Arevalo, Pearl M. Martinez, and Bertha M. Chavez, 11 Grandchildren, 16 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great Great Grandchildren and many, many relatives and friends. All of us will keep him in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO.

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Wesley "Buddy" Hernandez Lona

January 5, 1910 - March 17, 2011