Herbert H. Estes

Herbert was born in Flint, Michigan to the late Lewis and Lucy Estes. After enlisting in the Merchant Marine Service in 1944 at the age of 16, Herb moved to New York to begin basic training. Following his time serving in the Merchant Marines, he joined the U.S. Army and served for a year and a half period of service in the Philippine Islands until his honorable discharge in 1947. The highlights of the beginning of his professional career that followed included studies in Electronics and Engineering. A calling for tinkering, working with his hands, and accomplishing anything he set his mind to, Herb was fabricating missile vehicles, engineering spacecraft for the Chrysler Sky Lab, writing test procedures for jet engines, and much more in his lifetime.

Herb recalled in his own words the time when he met his beloved wife Vera, “She was about my age and was the most beautiful woman I had ever met.” Herb had a knack for bowling and golf of which he was a member of several leagues throughout the years. He would tell the story over and over jokingly about the time he was still able to beat a 22 year old at a game of bowling at his 88th birthday party. Herb stayed grounded in his Christian faith worshipping at Fellowship Chapel in Sterling Heights for many years. In his later years, he was a member of Shelby Bible Church. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Herbert will always be in our hearts.

Loving husband of Vera Estes for 48 years. Dear father of Michael (Pamela) Redford, Michael (Cheryl) Estes, Patrick (Janet) Estes, Cheryl (John) Davison, William (Ruth) Redford, Lori Harmon, and Brenda (Kenneth) Williford. Treasured grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of 28. Cherished brother of Bonnie (the late Jim) Pace, the late John Estes, Eugene Estes, Leroy Estes, and Lewis Estes Jr.

Due to the current pandemic services for Herb will be private. Burial at Christian Memorial Gardens West Cemetery in Rochester Hills. Share a memory of Herbert at www.ahpeters.com.