Richard Lee Herman

Richard Lee Herman, age 72, of Katy, TX passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday, June 28, 2019 surrounded by family. Richard was born October 25, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to Ladislav B. and Mildred L. Herman. His family moved to Houston, TX during his teenage years where he graduated from San Jacinto Vocational High School in 1965, training in auto mechanics. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force that summer, was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, and served a short time in Vietnam until he experienced an injury. He was then assigned to Travis AFB in California, ultimately reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and honorably discharged in early 1969. He married the love of his life, his "brown-eyed girl", Christine Annette Palermo on August 4, 1968.

Richard was a devoted husband and father, supporting his family as a career auto mechanic at Pontiac/GMC dealerships. His lifelong passion was riding KTM dirtbikes in motocross, enduro, and dual sport events locally and nationally. He was a longtime and Hall of Fame member of the Trail Riders of Houston (TRH) where he was well known as "Herm", serving both as President and as chairman of a national event, a Charter Life Member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), and a longtime parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul (Houston) and St. Bartholomew the Apostle (Katy) Catholic Churches with a devotion later in life to praying and leading the Rosary.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Ladislav B. and Mildred L. Herman.

Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christine of Katy, TX; daughters Carol A. Chehrehgosha and partner Richard Huston of Seatac, WA, Mary R. Kelton and husband Mike of Willis, TX, and son Michael L. Herman of Seatac, WA; sisters Patricia L. Meekins and husband Jeff of Houston, TX, and Dianna C. Patterson and husband Thomas of Willis, TX; grandchildren Christopher R. Bawa of Katy, TX and Madeline R. M. Bawa of Austin, TX; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, family and friends, especially those associated with Cycle Shack of Houston and off-road motorcycling.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard's memory to Catholic Relief Services (CRS.org), Southeast Texas Patriot Guard Riders (pgrtexas.org/donations), or your favorite veterans charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Herman family.