Aurelio Herrera

Aurelio Sam Herrera, age 75, left his home in AbileneTexas and went to be with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 28 . He was surrounded by his loving and caring family. A Mass of Christian celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at St. Francis Catholic Church, followed by burial at Abilene Municipal Cemetery, AbileneTexas. Visitation will take place at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 30. The rosary will begin at 6:30 followed by a wake.

Aurelio was born in Abilene, Texas to Cristobal and Barbara Herrera on August 12, 1939. He attended Houston Elementary, Lincoln Junior High and graduated from St. Joseph Academy where he played football in which he excelled.

At HSU, he studied criminal justice and joined the Taylor County Sheriff Department in June 1968 where he served until January 1982 when he resigned to seek the position of county commissioner. Aurelio was an avid hunter and collected commemorative rifles and guns, antique knives and western memorabilia. A man who wore many hats, he was a fourth degree Knights of Columbus, owned and enjoyed several antique cars, managed Herrera Bail Bond and proudly owned and operated Farolito restaurant which his parents had established in 1937.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anita, a daughter, Samantha of Arlington and a son Marcos of Abilene , grandchildren Zachary, Hannah, Hallie, Harmony and Brianna and great grandchildren Lupito, Pharrel, Sabrina and Trinity, sisters Lupita Villalovos (Mickey) and Helen Avila (Eustolia) of San Antonio, brothers Chris (Liz) and John (Sylvia), brother and sister- in -law Dwain Daniel and Elizabeth Herrera, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Paul, a sister Barbara , a grandson Martin and son-in-law Steve Johnston.

Aurelio was a kind and gentle friend, hard-working and a man of integrity who loved the Lord and his family. He will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 903, Abilene, Tx 79604.