Harry Herbert Jr.

Harry Herbert Jr., age 96, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to family. He was born on June 24, 1929, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to Harry and Alice Rey Herbert, and grew up on a farm west of El Reno.

Harry attended Blue Ridge Grade School and Hinton High School before continuing his education at Oxnard Business College in California and later at L.A. Baptist College in Newhall, California. He answered a calling to ministry and became an ordained Baptist minister, serving as pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church in Santa Barbara, California.

A proud patriot, Harry enlisted in the United States Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees) on December 8, 1947, serving as a heavy equipment operator. His distinguished military career spanned over two decades and included service throughout the Pacific, from the South Pole to Alaska, as well as deployments during the Vietnam era, the Korean War (1950–1951), and significant events such as the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also served as a heavy equipment instructor in Port Hueneme, California, and later at MCB-40 in Puerto Rico. After 23 years of honorable service, he retired on January 11, 1971, as a Chief Petty Officer. Harry was also an accomplished marksman, earning recognition as an 11-time pistol champion and a lifetime distinguished pistol shooter.

Following his military career, Harry continued working with his hands and skills, operating a truck repair business and later managing a pistol and rifle range for 18 years, something he deeply enjoyed.

Harry had a deep love for the outdoors and simple joys of life. Growing up, he hunted, fished, played baseball, and worked in the wheat harvest from a young age, learning responsibility and resilience early on. These experiences shaped the strong work ethic and character he carried throughout his life.

Above all, Harry’s life was grounded in his faith. He often spoke of God’s faithfulness, especially in times of hardship, and found comfort in scripture and prayer. His enduring belief in eternal life and God’s promises was a guiding force to the very end.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 41 years, June; his daughter, Karen Underlin; his brothers Charles JD, Clyde, and Archie; and his sisters Alice and Doris.

Harry is survived by his daughters, Linda Ritta of Farmington, New Mexico, and Susan Conley and her husband David of Oxnard, California; his son-in-law Les Underlin of Somis, California; his sister-in-law Delsi of El Reno; and his former wife Marilyn. He also leaves behind four granddaughters, four grandsons, numerous great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Harry expressed deep gratitude for the many people who impacted his life, especially his daughters, whom he credited as a source of strength and support through the years. His legacy of faith, perseverance, and love will be cherished by all who knew him.

Viewing will be at 9am Friday, May 1, 2026 with service to follow at 10am at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/.