hey Herb...

i bet you have the biggest tackle box of anyone there with you.
remembering you today and always. thanks for being the brother i never had.

susan lane

Herb was the most authentically unique individual I have ever known.  Because he was determined to live spherically, he absorbed diverse people and experiences like a sponge.  His heart was big enough to accept them all, without judgement or criticism. 

A man full of contradictions, he was truthful almost to a fault.  Tempered by his sharp sense of humor, he could be difficult and contrary; it was his way of provoking you to think deeper, and move outside your comfort zone.

He was my friend, and I will miss his raspy laugh.

Herb and I met as college freshmen dormmates at SFA many years ago.  We quickly struck up a friendship based upon our mutual love of literature, philosophy, music and girls. Herb was one of the most intelligent and interesting people I have ever met, and the best read person I have ever known personally.  He was a talented cook and often a greatly entertaining guy just to spend time with, too.

Like all intelligent people, he had a complex and at times challenging temperament, but I think that is why I stayed in touch with him through our college years and a bit beyond.  I met the woman who was to become my wife the same semester I met Herb, and they became friends, too.  I have many, great memories staying up late with Herb, listening to music, talking, and thinking of new ways to get in trouble.  He was one of the very few men I have felt a true, brotherly love for.

We drifted apart after graduation, and I regret that now.  I had not talked to Herb in many years when I learned very recently in a roundabout way of his illness and passing.  I wish I could have visited him when he was ill, and offered some comfort or at least reminisced about our early days together.  

I was encouraged by the words of one of the commenters that he found his way to God before he died.  I hope he died in peace and grace, and will remember him in my prayers.  I will miss him.

Love, David

Farewell Herb, fond fishing over there. Peace. 
Uncle Bill

I never had the privilege of meeting Herb, but I adore his mother, Anne "with an E!", I know I missed having met a wonderful man.

God's richest blessing to you all.

Tony Dunbar
Edward Jones

Rest in Peace Herb. We'll talk with you more on Saturday.

I met Herb at SFA in 1976. I have valued his friendship since then. Herb was a fine man in every respect. He was honest, caring, friendly, funny, and sharp as a tack.

Herb knew that the disease would get him, but never complained at all. He took things in stride and faced death bravely. I am convinced that his voluminous knowledge of history, literature, and his love for the great outdoors was exceeded by his love for family and friends. He did not want to be a bother to others. Of course, he wasn't, but that was his concern.

The one thing that gives me more peace than anything else is that this selfless love for others is indicative of his belief in Jesus Christ as his Redeemer, his Savior. These beliefs were made clear to me the last time I saw him. I drove down to see him in early August, certain that my last chance was near at hand. One of the many things we discussed was his relationship with God. He felt that God had spared him pain during his lengthy illness as an answer to prayer. I believe that also. More importantly, I believe that God has also spared Herb of the pain of eternal death. Instead, he has eternal life, as promised by Jesus to His followers. His words  made me as sure as a person can be. Herb's kind heart said more than any words can say.

I will miss our long conversations that occurred on a bi-weekly basis for over two decades. I will miss your sense of humor and your refusal to get angry. Herb, I'll miss you. But I will see you again.

Herb and I reconnected as friends after I learned of his illness. He had a wide-ranging mind and knew more about American literature than anyone I know. We talked of the past, about history and politics and music, books and movies, guns and fishing. I am so happy to have rekindled that friendship. He was strong and stoic. He enriched my life, and I honor his.

Fond memories of you, old friend. I'm glad we had a chance to talk a few times recently. I'll raise a glass in your memory.

OBITUARY

Leo Herbert Stakemiller III

May 1, 1954 – September 2, 2016

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services