Thomas Milton Herring

Lt. Colonel Thomas Milton Herring left this earth to be with our heavenly father on March 20, 2016. He leaves behind his beautiful bride of 61 years, Annie "Maxine" Savell Herring; son Thomas Herring Jr. (fiancé Kim Mittelsted); daughters Judy S. Herring and Cynthia L. Herring, Sisters Leda Switzer, Anne Trippe and Sue Makamson; sister-in-law Anne Herring; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thad and Ada Mae Herring; brother, Charles Herring; and sister, Molly Stowers.

Thomas and his family are proud of his military career; a veteran of the Korean War, served in the Texas National Guard (commanding two different posts and at one point was the highest ranking officer to command a post), then later commanding officer of the 348th Army Reserve unit, eventually retiring from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. In his career he earned quite a few honors such as a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry badge, Airborne Paratrooper badge and Expert Marksmanship badge. After retiring, he was also an Army Consultant, acting as the Commanding Officer of the 348th Army Reserve transportation unit for assets overseas. Thomas also retired from Monsanto after 26 years as a Foreman. He eventually retired to farming; raising cattle at his 5H Ranch in Lovelady, Texas.

Thomas was that person you wanted in your foxhole. We Thank Daddy for being the man and role model he was for us and for so many others. He made more of a difference on this earth than he ever knew. At ease soldier, this war is over and you deserve to rest in peace.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Lt. Colonel Herring's Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 25, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Forest Park East Funeral Home with interment to immediately follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.