Private Paz Hernandez, Sr. was the first 21-year-old from Tarrant County to be inducted into the Army as America began gearing up for World War II. He had attended John Peter Smith School and was employed at Ray Sellars Used Car Market prior to entering the Army in September 1941. He drowned in action in the Southwest Pacific on October 20, 1942. He was survived by his wife and two-year-old son, Paz Hernandez, Jr. His remains were returned to Fort Worth in early 1948 and he was buried with military honors at Mount Olivet Cemetery. At the time of his death his family lived in the 3400 block of North Commerce. In 1977, 33 years after his death, a park bearing his name was established a few blocks from his home in the 3500 block of Ellis Avenue. The 0.41-acre site contains a shelter, playground, and grills. In 2006, it received new playground equipment and concrete walkway.[1] (Sign at park mentions Texas Parks and Wildlife Department/Land and Water Conservation Fund/Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service/ U.S. Department of the Interior—is this for the 2006 improvements or later?)
[1] Fort Worth Star-Telegram, November 12, 1942 (evening edition), March 5, 1948 (morning edition), and March 5, 1948 (evening edition), FWSTCC AR406-7-75-135; City of Fort Worth, Mayor and Council Communication, C-21397, April 11, 2006.
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3515 Ellis Ave,, Fort Worth 76106 View Map
3515 Ellis Ave, , Fort Worth 76106
Paz Hernandez Park Hours: Open Daily from Dawn to Dusk