Herman was born in Fort Collins, Colorado on August 4, 1926 to Paul and Odillia Cordova-Mares. After the death of his father, Herman’s mother moved he and his siblings to Denver. At the age of 17, Herman enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was a proud World War II veteran and was stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War.
After his return from military service, Herman married Bertha Olguin. To this union, three sons were born; Ronald, David and Leonard. After a few years of marriage, the two divorced. Herman married Julia Montoya on March 15, 1957 in Denver. Eloy and Gerard were born in 1961 and 1963 respectively and their family was complete. Herman retired early from Meadow Gold Dairy due to his deteriorating mobility as a result of rheumatoid arthritis which was diagnosed at age 35. Later in life, Herman enjoyed a job as a pharmacy driver where he delivered prescriptions to housebound patients.
Herman is survived by his four sons: David (Kathy), Leonard (Patricia), Eloy (Karen) and Gerard; 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Christina Grant (Larry); niece/caregiver, Anita Garcia; sisters, Adeline Crespin and Isabelle Padilla; brother, Manuel (Sonny); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Julia; son, Ronald; grandson, Leonard, Jr.; his parents; sister, Rachel; brothers, Toby, Frank (Poncho) and Raymond.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 pm with Rosary to follow at Olinger Moore Howard Chapel, 4345 W. 46th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80212. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 10:30 am at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4200 Federal Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80211. Interment with honors will occur Friday, April 13, 2018 at 12:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area “B”, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80236. Following interment, a reception will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm at The American Legion, 5400 East Yale Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80222.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 2280 South Albion Street
Denver, Colorado 80222 or online at https://www.arthritis.org/colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerMooreHoward.com for the Mares family.
