So sorry to hear about John. I send you love and hugs and will pray God gives you comfort and strength. Please let me know when the celebration of life will be.
Charlene and Dan

I was saddened to learn of John's passing. He truly was a gentleman, a scholar and a good friend. I so enjoyed his presentations at ASB. God bless!

Very sad to hear of his passing. We spoke briefly after I won the John and Lucrecia Herr Composition Award this spring; he was very engaging, and was thrilled to hear about my thesis and the upcoming New Voices concert. He was offered a ride after the award ceremony, but I watched him politely decline, saying he'd rather walk around in the sunshine.

Dear Lucrecia and the Herr family,

I'm so saddened to hear of John's recent passing.  Although I only knew John the past several years, please know that his and your support and encouragement of our students at the School of Music - and of our composition students in particular - meant so much to me and to so many others at the school.  In one of my last email exchanges with John, he wrote beautifully about the transformative power of music and how important it was for our world moving forward.  What an inspiring message and example; he will be greatly missed.

My sincere condolences to you and your entire family.

John was truly a mentor of graduate students and junior faculty alike.  He will be sorry missed.  Our best thoughts go out to Lucretia during her time of need.

Was very sad to here of Dr Herr's passing. I had Dr Herr for Biology classes when I got out of the Navy in early 70's.  He was not only one of the best professors at USC but was a wonderful person.

John was a true southern gentleman and a wonderful person in all respects.  I will miss him and so will all those he worked with closely over the years.

I was saddened to learn of Dr. Herr's passing.

Fifty years ago I had the great good fortune to be in the Freshman Honors Biology course in which Dr. Herr taught the botany component.

I remember how he had us walk the Horseshoe and observe and record what we saw.  At the end of the botany segment, he had us repeat the exercise.  What a new world was revealed to us!

Dr. Herr was unforgettable, a true Gentleman and Teacher.  How fitting it was that his last day was a walk in the woods.

Mrs. Herr, We were sadden to hear about your husband.  Heather has many wonderful memories of the days in your class at Spring Valley and the information she learned. Bob and Mary Elizabeth Thomas, Heather Thomas Armbruster.  ps Her two little boys, now 7 and 11, were kept warm by the blanket you knitted on your trip west.  Let us know when the celebration of his life is, Heather would like to come.

Lucretia, I'm thinking of you at this time.  Someone already said this, but I was going to also.  John Herr was the very essence of a life well-lived

I am so sorry for your loss, Lucretia. What an inspiring, loving, and wonderful life you had together. He was a magnificent man.

Mrs. Herr, I am so sorry for your loss. You were my favorite high school teacher (Honors and AP Biology), and remain the best teacher I ever had. You taught me far more than the subject at hand, and showed me kindness and understanding when I so needed guidance. I have no "five dollar words" today-- I am just sad for you, and am praying for your peace.

Dear Lucrecia:
 
I was saddened to hear the passing of John. Nevertheless, I do find comfort in knowing that he had a wonderful life. The obituary describes many, albeit not all, of John's outstanding career achievements. I also want to remember him as a finest human being. He was truly a southern gentleman, who treated all, including the underprivileged, the uneducated, the non-southerners, and the non-academics, etc. equally well, with respect and generosity. His mild and polite manner, even under adverse situations, was classy and exemplary, and his conversation was always pleasant and effective. John excelled in both scholarship and humanity, and he will always be remembered.
 
From Tony Huang, Riverside, California

Lucretia, my thoughts and prayers are with you. John was a remarkable man. I'm privileged to have known him.  Nancy Brock. Columbia, SC.

Dear Lucrecia:

I was saddened to hear the passing of John. Nevertheless, I do find comfort in knowing that he had a wonderful life. The obituary describes many, albeit not all, of John's outstanding career achievements. I also want to remember him as a finest human being. He was truly a southern gentleman, who treated all, including the underprivileged, the uneducated, the non-southerners, and the non-academics, etc. equally well, with respect and generosity. His mild and polite manner, even under adverse situations, was classy and exemplary, and his conversation was always pleasant and effective. John excelled in both scholarship and humanity, and he will always be remembered.

From Tony Huang, Riverside, California

A life well lived. Thinking of you in this time of loss.

I had Dr. Herr for Botany in 1969. I loved his class. He remains one of my favorite professors after all these years. Wishing my condolences to his family.

Lucretia, I cannot tell you how deeply I feel the loss of John.  He was a true friend.  ASB will never be nearly as good without him.

John was our ASB brother and we treasured him immensely. He will be forever in our hearts. Diane and The Sisters

Lucrecia, I love this photo of John!! He loved and respected by so many and he will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those of us who loved him.

Dear Lucrecia, Phyllis and I were shocked to read about John's passing. He was always one of my favorite guys on campus. Seeing him was always a joy. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

May GOD's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time PSALMS 29:11

OBITUARY

Dr. John Mervin Herr Jr.

26 July, 1930 – 19 June, 2016

Whitten Timberlake Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services