His passing marks a time of great sorrow for the many people who loved him; those who called him Friend, Primo, Tio, Brother, Grandpa, Old Grandpa, Gramps, Nino and Dad. In these moments of sadness, we look back at his life with admiration and in celebration of the wonderful man whose life impacted so many persons.
Blas was born February 3, 1931 in Ft. Stockton, Texas. He joined the US Army in 1952. He served overseas in Germany and returned home in 1954. He married Virginia Carrillo in October 1954, and they settled in El Paso, Texas. He was a proud master carpenter who would always share his skills with anyone. He worked for the Department of Defense at White Sands Missile Range and retired from the US Border Patrol. For over 30 years Blas was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Blessed Sacrament Church and Most Holy Trinity Church. He was a 4th Degree Knight and one of the eldest Knights in El Paso.
Blas was well known for his famous greetings of - Hello, Hello; Good morning, Good morning; and Thank you, Thank you!! And especially – “The gangs all here!” Blas had an incredible sense of humor and he loved to laugh.
Blas met a very special lady - Rosa Yanez (Ms. Rosie) and they shared a wonderful life for the past thirteen years. Her family included him in all their lives. Celebrating births, birthdays, holidays and especially Sunday meals.
He is survived by his three daughters: Mary Ellen (Manny), Patricia Ann, Teresa and his son George;
his grandchildren: Manuel Blas (Barbara), Jonathan (Laura), Eddie, Cody, and Zachary; great grandsons: Johnny, Manuel Blas, Jr. and Zariah Blas; and his sister: Mahala Franco (Tio Maelo).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, of 54 years, his parents: Felix Herrera and Geronima Gonzales; his grandson Richard Christopher, his son Blas Miguel -Mike, and his daughter Cynthia -Cyndi.
Funeral services will be held in his honor on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer St., El Paso, Texas 79904. Visitation from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm with a Rosary service at 7:00 pm. On Tuesday, March 7th a mass will be held at 9:45 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 9025 Diana Dr. Graveside services with full Military Honors will be held at 11:00 am at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.
We honor his memory through laughter, love, and kindness. We carry on his legacy by smiling through our pain. He will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, Daddy.
Until that glorious day when we are reunited with him, we will remember him fondly and miss him greatly – Good night, Good night!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelKM.com for the Herrera family.
