Herb A. Souther

If you ever knew Herb, you made an instant friend. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and never ask anything in return. Herb Souther, 84, of Hurst, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on January 2, 2024.

Herb was born in Graham, Texas on June 22, 1939 to Melvin Hermon Souther and Bernice (Boyd) Souther. He attended Graham High School (class of 1957) before joining the Army. As a working adult, he completed his degree in business at Texas Wesleyan University.

Herb met his wife Carole in Graham, Texas where they both worked for the phone company. He loved her so much, he married her twice on January 1, 1965. Their first ceremony was performed by Carole’s father, Rev. W.L. Shires, in a hospital room where Rev. Shires was being treated and therefore unable to perform their full ceremony as planned. Their “other” wedding was celebrated at the Church of God in Graham later that evening where Rev. Shires served as pastor. Herb and Carole were married for 59 years.

Herb’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with his five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He attended numerous sporting events, dance recitals and band concerts. He loved being their Grandad, never failing to tell anyone how proud he was of them.

He worked in telecommunications for many years. Herb was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T) for nearly 30 years. He began as a lineman and retired as a central office manager. Since he felt too young to retire, he then worked for Sprint managing international switch installations, then retired again as a software engineering manager at Nortel Networks.

Herb was an active member of Life Fellowship Church in Hurst, devoting his time and energy to serving on the pastor’s council. He loved his church family dearly and enjoyed many long-time friendships.

With a quick wit and sense of adventure, Herb was fun to be around. It didn’t matter to him if he was on the receiving end of a practical joke, or if he was the one instigating the joke. As he aged, his love for traveling and the outdoors was replaced with a love for social media and a comfortable recliner. He will be lovingly (and humorously) remembered by his family and friends.

Herb is survived by his wife, Carole Ann Shires Souther, son, Brad Souther (Donna) and daughter Kathy Hume (Odie). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandon Souther (Amanda), Melanie Prince (Daniel), Dylan Souther (Ashley), Nick Hume, Madison Hume, and great grandchildren Aubrie Souther, Emma Prince, and Adelyn Prince. He is also survived by his sisters Melva Greathouse and Susan Marek along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hermon and Bernice Souther and sisters Joan Bass and Barbara Wilton.