Herbert Dale Hamby

(Herbert Dale Hamby)

January 19, 1938 - August 17, 2014

At the age of 76, Herb's valiant 9-year battle with a long-term, progressive degenerative disease came to an end. 'By grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone,' Herb is now in heaven in the company of his Savior who has exchanged Herb's worn out, tired body with a new heavenly body.

Though a resident of Modesto since 1978, Herb was born to Paul M. and Myrtle G. Hamby in Fresno, Ca where he graduated from Clovis High School followed by service in the US Navy. He earned degrees from CSU Stanislaus (Accounting) and Golden Gate University (MBA) enjoying a rewarding career as a CPA.

The words that typify this beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend are God-honoring, faithful, caring, encouraging, and funny. Herb will be most remembered as a man whose love for the Lord motivated his love for others—he invested in his family, friends, church, community, and the world. Most notable are his mission trips to China, Japan, and the Philippines. He also led the Southeast Asian ministry at Cross Point Community Church, was a Big Brother (BBBA.org), and served as a Modesto PD T.I.P.S. truancy patrol volunteer. Retiring from his private accounting practice at age 50, Herb began a second career in US foreign-service so that he and his wife, Linda, could serve as self-supporting missionaries in Washington DC, Egypt, and the Philippines—which is where they met and fell in love with their daughter, Marnie, who they adopted when Herb was 63. Herb was passionate about investing in the next generation and encouraged others to do the same.

His life priority is well reflected by his response to his daughter's question, "Dad, what do you most want done or said at your memorial service?" Herb enthusiastically responded, "I want lots of people to come, and I want them to hear and know the gospel."

Herb is survived by his wife Linda, his three daughters: Kelley Drake (and husband Jon), Janae Pierre, and Marnie Wagner (and husband TJ), and six grandchildren: Connor (and wife Lindsay), Paige, Luke, Lily, Tommy J, and Joseph.

A memorial service will be held at Cross Point Community Church at 1301 12th St, Modesto, CA 95354 on Saturday, Sept 6 at 12pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to Cross Point Community Church (address above).