Wilburn Curtis Herring

Wilburn Curtis Herring passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Spring, Texas on July 16, 2014 at the age of 93. He was born on September 19, 1920 in Peoria, Texas and was the youngest of three children born to Dot and Luther Herring.

In addition to his parents, brother Weldon and sister Doris, he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, May Deene Frank Herring, in 2011. Surviving family members include: children - James Herring and wife Beverly of Bedford, Texas; Pam Herring Murray and husband Pat of Spring, Texas; and Paula Herring Evard and husband Brent of Clear Lake, Texas; grandchildren - John Herring, Lisa Murray, Jason Evard, Andrew Evard, Michele Mallin, Marcia Fraley, and Mitzi Hall; great-grandchildren - Gabriel Herring, Cadence Carr, Triston Schmidt, and KeeLeigh Hall; and niece and nephew – Carl D. Herring and Shirley Herring Beavers.

Curtis was an educator, trained at Hill College, North Texas University and University of Houston. After service in the military during World War II, he moved to Cypress Fairbanks from north central Texas. Relocating to Baytown in 1952, he lived here until 2011. He served as teacher, elementary school principal, assistant deputy superintendent, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent; then he retired from the GCCISD school system in 1985. His avocation was music, and he served as minister of music at Stewart Heights, Second, and Eastside Baptist churches. He also served as interim music minister at a number of other churches in the Baytown area.

He was proud to live in Baytown and served in many capacities as a volunteer community worker, such as Board Chair, Chamber of Commerce; Board Chair, Baytown Teachers Credit Union; Life Member, Lions Club (including serving as President one year and Secretary for 40 years, as well as receiving the prestigious Melvin Jones award); President, Baytown Education Association; President, Baytown Retired Teachers Association; Board member, Bay Area Historical Society; and Income Tax Consultant, AARP. Ordained as a deacon at the age of 19, he was an active church member throughout his life and served in many positions of leadership.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21 at First Baptist Church, 505 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown. Visitation is scheduled for 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20 at Navarre Funeral Home, Baytown. Reverend Carey Froelich will officiate; pallbearers are Pat Murray, Brent Evard, Jason Evard, Andrew Evard, Gabriel Herring, and James Leatherwood; honorary pallbearers are Carl D. Herring and John Herring.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.