IN LOVING MEMORY OF

ANTONIO BERMEA HERNÁNDEZ
“Don Chito” aka EL TOÑON

June 1, 1939 – June 17, 2026

Antonio Bermea Hernández, affectionately known by family and friends as “Don Chito,” passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Waunakee, Wisconsin, at the age of 87.

Antonio was born on June 1, 1939, in Villa Unión, Coahuila, Mexico, to Antonio Bermea Hernández and Aurelia Hernández Castilleja. From an early age, he learned the values of hard work, family, respect, and perseverance—principles that guided him throughout his life and became the foundation of the legacy he leaves behind today.

In July of 1958, Antonio married the love of his life, Olga Tijerina Valadez, in Allende, Coahuila, Mexico. Together they built a family rooted in love, sacrifice, faith, and unity. Their marriage was blessed with six children, generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a family legacy that continues to grow.

Antonio was a lifelong trucker, businessman, mechanic, and provider. He proudly owned and operated Bermea Trucking, a company he built through determination, sacrifice, and countless miles on the road. Throughout his life, he traveled the highways of Mexico and the United States, earning the respect of all who knew him through his honesty, humility, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others.

Today, the legacy of Bermea Trucking continues through his sons, who proudly carry forward the family tradition and values he worked so hard to establish.

More than anything, Antonio loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. To many, he was the pillar that held the family together—the steady foundation whose strength, wisdom, and guidance shaped generations. His stories, advice, laughter, and unwavering love created memories that will live on forever.

Antonio is survived by his children: Olga Reyes, Irma Muñoz, Elsa Ramírez, Antonio Bermea Jr., Maria Delgado, and Oscar Bermea; approximately 67 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Concha Bermea; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, Mexico, and beyond.

While Antonio was blessed with the love and support of all his children, the family would like to give special acknowledgment to his eldest daughter, Olga Reyes, who faithfully cared for both her mother and father throughout their final years. She stood beside them not only as a daughter, but as a caregiver, advocate, protector, and source of comfort.

Through long days, sleepless nights, doctor’s appointments, and countless acts of love, she helped ensure that both of her parents were able to face life’s final chapters surrounded by dignity, compassion, and family. Her dedication was a true labor of love and a testament to the values her parents taught her.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Olga Tijerina Valadez, who passed away on January 17, 2017; his parents, Antonio Bermea Hernández and Aurelia Hernández Castilleja; and his siblings Juanita Guerrero, Juanita Ramírez, Domingo Bermea, Reyes Bermea, and Alejandra Ramírez.

One of the greatest comforts to Antonio’s family is knowing he was surrounded by love during his final moments. Family members traveled from Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, and Mexico to be by his side. Several loved ones were still making their journey to see him one last time. Those closest to him believe he was waiting to feel the presence of his entire family one final time. Within minutes of the arrival of family members from Texas and Mexico, and with all of his children and immediate family gathered around him, Antonio peacefully took his final breath. It was a final act of love from a man whose life was always centered around family.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find peace in knowing that he has been reunited with his beloved wife, Olga, and the loved ones who went before him.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Sunday, June 21, 2026
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
6021 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Antonio’s life, legacy, and the impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Cremation will follow the services.

A TRIBUTE FROM HIS CHILDREN

Papá,

Heaven now holds what our hearts miss most.

This June arrived differently for our family. It came with tears, memories, and a silence we had never known. Just days before Father’s Day, God called you home.

We are left with your stories, your lessons, your example, and your love. We are left with the wisdom of a hardworking man who dedicated his life to family, the open road, and building a legacy that will continue for generations.

You were far more than our father. You were the pillar of our family. The strength that kept children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loved ones united throughout the years.

Many heard stories about the legend. We were blessed to live those stories with you.

We will never forget your final moments. It seemed as though you were waiting to feel your entire bloodline gathered around you one last time. Family traveled from Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, and Mexico to be by your side. When the final family members arrived, only minutes later, you peacefully continued your journey. It was as if your heart needed to know that everyone was home before you could finally rest.

Today we find comfort knowing that you have been reunited with Mamá, the love of your life. After years apart here on Earth, we believe you are together once again.

This Father’s Day will be different.

While many families celebrate with their fathers, we gather to honor ours. It seems fitting that a man who dedicated his life to being a father, provider, protector, and role model is remembered on the very day set aside to celebrate fathers.

We cannot give you a gift this year, Papá. Instead, we offer our love, our gratitude, and our promise to carry your legacy forward.

We will miss you at every family gathering.
We will miss you in every story.
We will miss you on every road traveled.

Your chair may sit empty, but your presence will live forever in our hearts.

Rest easy, Don Chito. “ EL TOÑON”

Your work here is done.
Your legacy is just beginning.

With Eternal Love,

Your Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren

“Heaven holds what our hearts miss most.”

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Memorial donations in Antonio's name may be sent to the funeral home.

EN MEMORIA DE

ANTONIO BERMEA HERNÁNDEZ

“Don Chito” alias EL TOÑON

1 de junio de 1939 – 17 de junio de 2026

Con profundo dolor, pero también con inmensa gratitud por haber tenido la bendición de compartir su vida, despedimos a nuestro querido padre, abuelo, bisabuelo, hermano, tío y amigo, Antonio Bermea Hernández, mejor conocido por todos como “Don Chito”.

Don Chito nació el 1 de junio de 1939 en Villa Unión, Coahuila, México, hijo de Antonio Bermea Hernández y Aurelia Hernández Castilleja. Desde muy joven aprendió el valor del trabajo duro, del respeto y de la familia, principios que lo acompañaron durante toda su vida.

En julio de 1958 unió su vida con la mujer que siempre fue el amor de su vida, Olga Tijerina Valadez, en Allende, Coahuila. Juntos construyeron una familia fuerte, trabajadora y unida, dejando un legado que hoy continúa vivo a través de sus hijos, nietos, bisnietos y futuras generaciones.

Don Chito fue trailero de corazón. Fue empresario, mecánico y fundador de Bermea Trucking, compañía que levantó con esfuerzo, sacrificio y miles de millas recorridas por las carreteras de México y Estados Unidos. Su vida estuvo ligada al volante, al trabajo y a la responsabilidad de sacar adelante a su familia.

Hoy, el legado de Bermea Trucking continúa a través de sus hijos, quienes siguen adelante con orgullo llevando el nombre y los valores que él les enseñó.

Pero más allá de los camiones, los negocios o el trabajo, su mayor orgullo siempre fue su familia.

Fue esposo ejemplar, padre amoroso, abuelo consentidor, bisabuelo orgulloso, hermano, tío y amigo. Para muchos fue el último gran pilar de nuestra familia. El hombre que mantenía a todos unidos. El que siempre tenía un consejo, una historia, una enseñanza o una mano lista para ayudar.

Le sobreviven sus hijos Olga Reyes, Irma Muñoz, Elsa Ramírez, Antonio Bermea Jr., María Delgado y Oscar Bermea; aproximadamente 67 nietos y bisnietos; su hermana Concha Bermea; además de numerosos sobrinos, primos, familiares y amistades de Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, México y muchos otros lugares.

La familia desea reconocer a todos sus hijos pero especialmente a su hija mayor, Olga Reyes, quien durante años cuidó con amor y dedicación tanto a su madre como a su padre. Más que una hija, fue cuidadora, defensora, protectora y compañera en los momentos más difíciles de sus vidas. Gracias a su amor, sacrificio y entrega, nuestros padres pudieron vivir sus últimos años rodeados de dignidad, cariño y familia. Su dedicación fue una verdadera muestra de amor incondicional.

Fue precedido en la muerte por su amada esposa, Olga Tijerina Valadez; sus padres Antonio Bermea Hernández y Aurelia Hernández Castilleja; y sus hermanos Juanita Guerrero, Juanita Ramírez, Domingo Bermea, Reyes Bermea y Alejandra Ramírez.

Uno de los recuerdos que más quedará grabado en nuestros corazones ocurrió durante sus últimos momentos de vida.

Familiares viajaron desde Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas y México para despedirse de él. Algunos todavía venían en camino. Quienes estuvimos ahí sentimos que Papá estaba esperando una última cosa: sentir a toda su familia reunida una vez más.

Y así fue.

Minutos después de que llegaron familiares desde Texas y México, rodeado de todos sus hijos y seres queridos, Don Chito cerró sus ojos y emprendió su último suspiro y viaje.

Como si su corazón hubiera esperado asegurarse de que toda su sangre estuviera presente antes de descansar.

Ese momento quedará para siempre en nuestras memorias.

Hoy encontramos consuelo sabiendo que finalmente volvió a reunirse con nuestra madre Olga, el amor de su vida. Después de años separados aquí en la tierra, creemos que ahora vuelven a caminar juntos.

SERVICIOS FUNERARIOS

Domingo 21 de junio de 2026
12:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
6021 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Fuiste nuestro guía.
Nuestro protector.
Nuestro ejemplo.
Nuestro pilar.

Nunca olvidaremos tus últimos momentos.

Parecía que estabas esperando sentir a toda tu familia reunida una última vez. Y cuando llegaron los últimos miembros de la familia, apenas unos minutos después, partiste en paz.

Como si hubieras esperado asegurarte de que todos estábamos juntos antes de emprender tu último camino.

Hoy encontramos paz sabiendo que te has reunido nuevamente con Mamá.

Este Día del Padre será diferente.

Mientras muchas familias celebran con sus padres, nosotros nos reunimos para despedir al nuestro.

Y aunque duele profundamente, también nos llena de orgullo saber que fuimos hijos de un hombre como tú.

No podremos darte un regalo este año, Papá.

Pero te prometemos algo mejor.

Te prometemos cuidar de nuestra familia.
Te prometemos mantenernos unidos.
Te prometemos honrar tu nombre.
Te prometemos continuar el legado que construiste.

Te extrañaremos en cada reunión.
Te extrañaremos en cada historia.
Te extrañaremos en cada carretera recorrida.

Tu silla quedará vacía.

Pero tu lugar en nuestros corazones jamás podrá ser ocupado.

Descansa en paz, Don Chito. alias EL TOÑON.

Tu trabajo aquí terminó.

Tu legado apenas comienza. 

Con amor eterno, 

Tus Hijos, Nietos y Bisnietos

 “El cielo guarda lo que nuestro corazón extraña.”

 “Bien, buen siervo y fiel.” 

— Mateo 25:23