William Bill M. Herring

William M. Herring, 90, of Longmont, passed into the presence of Jesus Tues., Feb. 16, 2016, surrounded by his wife and children. Bill was born Dec. 7, 1925, in Meeker, Colo., to Ben and Dorothy (Williams) Herring. He graduated from Rio Blanco County High School in 1944, in a class of 13. He was inducted into the Army a few days later. Bill served as a rifleman with the 10th Mountain Division and saw combat in Italy during World War II. He was very proud of his service and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star for valor. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Colorado, earning a BS in 1950 and an MA in 1957. He taught fifth through eighth grades in one-room schoolhouses at Wilson Creek, Colo., and Buford, Colo. He then taught at Meeker Elementary School, where he met his wife, the former Jean Smith. Bill and Jean married June 13, 1954, in Greeley, Colo. They settled in Longmont, and Bill taught at Columbine Elementary and the old Longmont Junior High. He was part of the first faculty at Longs Peak Junior High where he taught eighth grade English until retiring in 1986. After retirement, he worked for the FAA as a security guard for a number of years. Bill was a long-time member of Calvary Church in Longmont, where he had been a deacon and taught Sunday School. He is survived by his wife, Jean, daughter Jenny Herring, son James Herring, and grandson Kevin Herring, as well as several great grandchildren, cousins, and nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed. Visitation from 4-6pm on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service at 10:30am, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 at Calvary Church in Longmont. Interment at 10:15am, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at shelter C, Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Contributions can be made to Calvary Church Deacon Fund c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.