Samuel J. "SJ" Hernandez, age 5, of Crete, Nebraska, passed away on April 9, 2025, in Crete. He was born on February 12, 2020, to Shawn and Taylor.

In his time on earth, SJ was a bright shining star that made an unforgettable impression on everyone that met him.  His boundless energy and genuine curiosity were apparent from the moment you met him.

SJ woke up happy every single day. He loved to play chase, steal your hat, and sing song to his favorite movies. He had a special talent for humming the background music to his favorites whenever he wasn't watching one.

You couldn't walk by him without completing one of his routines of a high-five, fist bump, thumbs up, and his exclamation of "Cool Man".

No matter what SJ was doing, he had to know where his 2 favorite toys were at. Lightning McQueen and Mac from Cars were always with him, from showering to eating dinner to sleeping.

SJ was young, so sharing wasn't his favorite thing to do. If you asked if you could have one of his green grapes, you were immediately told no and he would take them away. He would share kisses and hugs with those he was closest with, but nobody was getting his grapes.

SJ was joined in death by great grandparents Sam and Dolores Aughe.

He is survived by his parents Shawn Hernandez and Taylor Parks; grandparents Michelle and Jason Buresh, Tom and Kelli Parks, Melissa Hernandez, Shawn and Leeann Hernandez, and numerous family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Fellowship Hall in Crete. No viewing or visitation. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.