Murray J. Herring

Murray was born on March 28, 1932 to Milton Park Herring and Arie Anna (Bumpass) Herring in Eastland, Texas. Murray was the 5th of 6 children. Born and raised during the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl days in West Texas and followed by World War 2 taught Murray the value of hard work, imagination, and persistence in the face of scarcity and adversity. Murray's father, Milton, ran an A & P grocery store in Eastland where he "employed" Murray and his 4 other sons for wages consisting of room, board, and plenty of love. All 8 members of the Herring clan lived in a 3 bedroom home with one bathroom. Murray's sister, Minta Sam, had the only private bedroom. Milton died in 1948 leaving 16 year old Murray and his 15 year old brother, Lowell, to care for their mother.

Murray worked hard to help pay off his father's funeral expenses and provide for his family. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in Ranger Junior college in Ranger, Texas, where he played football. There he met the love of his life, Ann Brockman. Murray and Ann got married on July 6,1952 at the Church of Christ in Woodson, Texas.

For a long time, Murray had been intrigued by oil and gas exploration, particularly oil and gas geology. Murray enrolled at Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University). Murray's intention was to graduate with a degree in Petroleum Geology, however, his studies were interrupted by his induction into the U.S. Army followed soon thereafter by his deployment to South Korea. Upon his return, he was greeted by his wife and a beautiful three month old daughter, Lanna. Murray finished his studies and obtained his degree.

In 1956, Murray took a job working for Lone Star Producing Company as a geologist starting in Midland, Texas. While in Midland, Ann gave birth to Rodney. Soon afterwards, the family moved to Roswell, New Mexico and then back to Midland, where Paul was born.

In 1968 Murray and family moved to Lakewood, Colorado. Murray was assigned the job of opening an office for Lone Star in Denver. After 4 years, Lone Star decided to close the Denver office and move Murray back to Midland. Murray realized the potential of the Rockies and decided to strike out on his own. He resigned from Lone Star and became an independent consulting geologist.

Eventually, Murray began generating drillable prospects which he sold to oil and gas companies for development. Having achieved success in creating these drilling prospects, Murray decided to form his own exploration and production company, TOP Operating Co. TOP Operating drilled and operated many wells in North Dakota and Colorado. Through TOP, Murray was instrumental in creating enthusiasm for the Codell and Niobrara play in Colorado.

Beyond his life’s work, Murray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Murray and Ann worked together to provide a life, education and moral foundation for their three children, Lanna, Rod and Paul. Murray was a devoted father, frequently taking time to attend school events, take his kids camping, fishing, and skiing and have important life discussions. He would do anything for his children and, although he had high expectations, he was there to lend a hand whether it was helping with home and car repairs, helping with homework or talking about life.

As his kids had families of their own, Murray and Ann were dedicated grandparents. They took great pleasure in having their grandchildren spend the night, attending their school and sporting events. They were always there for advice, to play games or just hang out.

Murray loved his brothers, sister as well as his wife’s family. Whenever there was a reunion or a chance to visit his brothers, sister, he was there. He loved to talk about old times, politics or just life. When his family was in need, whether financially or with advice, Murray was willing to help out.

In the community, Murray was active in his churches, up until the time when his health prevented it. He served as an elder, active lay person and men’s Saturday morning breakfast/bible study leader. He volunteered for the handicap skiing program with his sons and was frequently referred to as "Coach". He supported many causes, always anonymously.

An entrepreneur, devoted husband and father, and grandfather, Murray leaves this earth into glory, setting a solid moral and financial foundation that will impact generations. We will miss you Dad, thank you and, as you used to say to us when we were little, "good job".

Murray is survived by his wife Ann (Brockman) Herring, three children: Lanna (Herring) Shaffer (husband Jeff Shaffer), Rodney Herring (wife Deborah (Minnard) Herring), Paul Herring (wife Michelle (Murray) Herring), 7 grand children, 8 great grandchildren, and one great grandchild on the way.

Murray had a lot of phrases and sayings that he used throughout his life, mostly with family. When we hear or read these phrases, it reminds us of his smile, laughter, and personality. Here are some that his daughter and sons remember most:

"If ifs and buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a Merry Christmas"

"Fools names like fools faces always seen in public places"

"If you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life"

“Up to the cellar to get a bucket of coal” (when asking where are you going?)

“Zip your pants and go straight up” (when asking what are you going to do?)

“If the goose don’t fly and the creek don’t rise” ( when asked can we do something)

“Six to one half dozen the other” (when it doesn’t matter)

“Horsey, horsey go to town, horsey horsey don’t fall down!” (bouncing children on his knee)

“Like stink on a skunk”

“Like ugly on an ape”

“Like white on rice”

“I'll give you a Yankee dime” (when asking for something)

“looks like a lob lolly” (disorganized mess)

“looks like a tornado went through here (also disorganized mess, usually referring to his son’s rooms or office)”

“I'll dance at your next wedding (when asking for something)”

“Peter Paul” (nickname for Paul)

“Minnie Mouse” (nickname for Lanna)

“turkey dog doo” (when something goes wrong, typically home or car maintenance)

“I'm busier than a one armed, one legged paper hanger with a 7 year itch”.

Murray's services will be livestreamed using the link below. The link will be activated ten minutes prior to the service time.

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