Howard Franklin Herschap

Howard Herschap is survived by his son, Ronald Wayne Herschap, grandchildren; Trey Hunter, Sheri Hunter-Wood, Sean Hunter, Heather Herschap-Coleman, and Bridget Herschap-De Anda; and numerous nieces and nephews, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Marie Herschap; daughter, Bonnie Sharon Hunter; and brother, Billy Gene Herschap.

Howard Herschap was born in Luling, TX on February 13, 1925 to Felix and Lilian Herschap. Howard’s father worked in the oilfield industry, which led to him living in many towns during his childhood. He attended school in many Texas schools and graduated from Hebbronville High School in 1942. Howard played on the first basketball team for Hebbronville High School that made it to the state tournament.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 during his senior year in high school, prompted Howard to join the war effort for World War II. At the age of 17, Lilian Herschap signed a permission slip to allow her underage son to join the U.S. Navy. At the time of World War II, the Navy was searching for bright, young, tech savvy men to operate new protocols for bombardiers. Howard scored the highest in his training class (nearly 1200 men) on an aptitude test, which led to 17-year-old Howard Herschap entering the world war as a bombardier. Howard showed bravery, dedication and intelligence during his time with the U.S. Navy. He earned multiple medals for his acts of valor including an Air Medal, 2 Gold Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 2001, Howard was Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor for his roll in rescuing downed airmen of his squadron. On the rescue mission, Howard manned a small life boat through shark infested waters in enemy territory saving the lives of his crewmen. During his training period with the Navy, Howard married his high school sweetheart, Elma Marie Chapman Herschap in Memphis, Tennessee on May 22, 1943. They had a loving and enduring marriage of 58 years. Howard and Marie had two children, Bonnie Sharon Herschap Hunter and Ronald Wayne Herschap.

Howard was a self-made man with a strong work ethic. He worked his way through every position in the oilfield. As a young man, Howard owned a full-service gas station. His son, Ron, can still recall running into the gas station and picking out a candy bar as a small child. Once operating hours were completed at the gas station, Howard would work late into the night performing varying jobs such as well gauger or derrick man on a drilling rig. Howard eventually went into the well service industry and owned and operated his own oil and gas company. In addition to his work with his oil and gas company, Howard was a founding member of the Hebbronville State Bank and was a real estate developer in central Texas. His work ethic and generosity paved the way and resulted in his children and grandchildren’s education and opportunities.

Despite working such long hours to support his family, he found the time to take his young children and wife on vacations. Howard would fish and play in the cool waters of the Frio River with his children and ski the mountains of Red River, New Mexico creating everlasting memories for his family. He was an avid sports fan and would often take family and friends to the Astro’s games or to the Cotton Bowl.

Howard was affable, witty and sociable. He was a spiritual man that attended church every Sunday. He was always one to eagerly meet his friends at Paco’s or family at Lala’s to enjoy conversation, business, and jokes over a margarita (salted and no straw!). Howard’s time in the U.S. Navy were some of his proudest moments, which deeply influenced the man he was and the way he lived his life full of integrity and loyalty. He was an amazing man that influenced generations of his family. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Larry Lowe, Aaron Hunter , Taber Wood, Juan De Anda, Hunter Wood and Trey Hunter

Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams, Hebbronville with a chapel service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will conclude at the Greenhill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to one of the following:

The First Methodist Church in Bruni, Nimitz Foundation at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg,TX or to the charity of your choice.