The family would later reside in the California cities of Dos Palos, Fresno, Tulare, San Bernardino and Fontana.
In 1932, Herman first attended school at Packwood Elementary in Tulare. In 1934, they moved to San Bernardino and in 1935 to Fontana. While growing up in Fontana, he and his siblings helped to support their family by crop farming, growing livestock, fieldwork/harvesting, cutting firewood, domestic housework, newspaper delivery and many other jobs. As a teenager, Herman also worked independently at a chicken ranch (where he was paid a man's wage of .10 cents an hour!!!).
While in the tenth grade, Herman voluntarily withdrew from Fontana High School (which is currently the site of Fontana Jr. High). He went to work full time to financially support his family. During that time, he drove for Smalley's Disposal delivering scrap food waste, as feed for livestock, to the Fontana Hog Farm. He and his brother-in-law (Paul) retrieved and hauled spent artillery shells (scrap metal) from the high desert military practice fields and recycled them for cash. Herman also worked many other jobs to help provide for his family. He eventually went into business for himself in the trucking industry.
Soon after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 and served as a Conscientious Objector in the Medical Core in Korea. He was a litter bearer/jeep driver, on the frontline, retrieving wounded and taking them to the Aid Station for medical attention. As a Sergeant, he received an honorable discharge. In 1952, he returned to his Fontana home where he met and wed the love of his life, Emelda Blanche Jones, in 1954. In 1956, they began a bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses and were Baptized in November 1957. In 1958, they drove from California to New York to attend the International Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses with their two children (Herman Jr. and Emelda A.). In the years following, they were further blessed with two more children Phillip and Richard. To support his family, Herman worked as a Certified Pipe Welder at Taylor Forge and American Pipe. At various times, while working his full time job, he also worked graveyard shift as a part-time Restaurant Janitor. In 1960, he became an Aluminum Foundry Lead (Working) Supervisor and retired from this position in the 1980's.
Herman had fond memories of growing up with his grandfather(who started him off with his first sip of coffee at one week of age - this became his beverage of choice for his lifetime). Herman loved his large family consisting of parents, uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, wife, children, nephews, nieces and friends.
Throughout his life he enjoyed visiting and visits of family, neighbors and friends.
One of his great joys was talking to all he met about Jehovah (who he referred to as "The Grand Creator") giving Him credit as our only source of guidance. Herman was especially fond of music, dancing, singing, playing baseball, fishing, vacationing, vegetable/fruit gardening and general building and repair (which our Dad called "tinkering" or "piddling"). However, we as his children know Dad was a top-notch overall "handyman", "mechanic" and "jack of all trades". He enjoyed sharing these skills with his children and the neighborhood kids. His enthusiastic advice over the years is treasured by many young men and women who often express the positive impact his words have had on their lives.
Herman found a haven of peace with his spiritual family. He expressed comfort and the same haven of peace in his home life with his wife and children (a place he called "The Nest")
Herman passed on January 11, 2019 at the age of 93.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, of 51 years, Emelda Blanche; parents Jacob and Willie Lee; siblings Bobby, Earlene, Carl, Leroy, Barbara and Frederick.
He is survived by his brothers Sherman Sr., Kenneth and sister Carol; children Herman Jr., (Mary Jean), Emelda A., Phillip and Richard (Demetria); grandchildren Stephanie, Erika, Anthony, Marcus, Eryn and Kyle; great-grandchildren Dauan and Jauan; family and friends.
Herman shared fatherly wisdom, brotherly love, and kindness. He had strong faith and belief in the promised resurrection. Further, he was comforted by the promise that we will see one another again.
Herman, we will hold you in memory, until that day arrives!
To leave a condolence on Herman's memorial page
please visit www.dignitymemorial.com
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