William Robert "Bob" Herrin Jr.

William Robert Herrin, Jr. (Bob) took his first breath in Mineral Wells, TX in January, 1935. He was first child of Lois (Moran) and William Robert Herrin, Sr. He took his final breath at his home in Austin where he was surrounded by the love of his family on July 9, 2020.

Bob and his family moved to Stephenville, TX during his school years and he played football and graduated from Stephenville High School in 1953. He attended Tarleton University before transferring to Texas Tech to complete his degree in Petroleum Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Cox, in Stephenville in 1954. Two children, Kimberly and Scot, were born to them. Carolyn passed away in 1988.

Bob served in the Army after participating in ROTC while at Tech. His oil industry career began with Kewanee Oil Company and continued with Gulf Oil after they purchased Kewanee. Later Gulf was purchased by Chevron and Bob continued with them until his retirement in 1998. During the working years Bob lived in various locations in West Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico. (Midland/Odessa, Monahans, Roswell, Tulsa, Lafayette, New Orleans, and many others.)

Bob received many honors during his career. He was a charter member of the Academy of Petroleum Engineers at Texas Tech and was recognized as a Distinguished Engineer by Texas Tech in 1994. Bob held multiple positions in Chevron’s operations areas early in his career. Additionally he served as a Vice President of Warren Petroleum in Tulsa (1988-1990). He then served as Vice President and General Manager of Chevron’s Permian Basin (1990-1992) and Gulf of Mexico (1992-1998) Business Units. Bob was actively involved in many volunteer community efforts such as Habitat for Humanity and United Way. In Austin he donated his time and skill for many years working with Manos de Cristo in Austin and he was a member of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church.

Bob and his second wife, Lynn, met when he sat beside her on the church pew in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in March, 2020. Their combined family includes two daughters and two sons, thirteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Bob loved sports and was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Tech Red Raiders, SA Spurs, and Houston Astros. Bob was interested in people. He was masterful in helping all to be the best that they could be. Bob loved to travel and relished the diversity of mankind. He was a lifelong student. He made friends wherever he went and always saw the good in people. And people loved him. He leaves behind many friends who will remember him for his generosity, kindness, intelligence, and quick humor.

Family members who are left behind to treasure his memory include his wife, Lynn (Warren) Herrin; his sons, Scot Alan Herrin of Big Spring, TX, and Timothy Willard and wife Valerie of Tulsa, OK; daughters Kimberly (Herrin) Fulton and husband Bill of Katy, TX; Jennifer Seely and husband Dan of Tulsa; brother, Jim Herrin and wife Ronda of Lipan, TX. Grandchildren are Zach Herrin and wife Liz of Big Spring, Zane Herrin and wife Sarah of Hebbronville, TX; Haley (Herrin) Gorski and husband Randy of Dallas; Tyler Fulton and wife Erin of Highland Village, TX; Kristen (Fulton) Di Napoli and husband Josh of Katy; Kylie (Fulton) Arrindell and husband Kelvin of Pearland, TX; Conner Fulton of Houston; John Warren Seely, Olivia Seely, and Andrew Seely of Tulsa; Jessica Pennington and Blake Pennington of Tulsa; Josh Fernau and wife Sarah of Claremore, OK. Six great-grandchildren include Wyatt Fulton, Audrey and Eliza Di Napoli, Amelia, Jonah and Dez Fernau.

The family is grateful for the care given during Bob’s prolonged decline. Bruce Duncan came to us as a caregiver and became a friend and part of our family and we love him especially for his devotion to Bob. Thank you Belmont Senior Living in Westlake for providing such good care during Bob’s short residency there.

Due to the COVID restrictions a limited memorial service will be held at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home followed by a private burial ceremony in Stephenville, TX.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Manos de Cristo, Hospice of Austin, or a charity of your choice.