Bud was born to J.C. “Jake” Herring and Dora Willis Herring at home in Union, Texas. He was the second of six children – 4 boys and 2 girls. His brothers preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters, Peggy Crum and Joyce Paden. The Great Depression and the “dust bowl” were both in full swing when Bud was born. Times were hard. The Herring brothers were all gifted athletically, smart, and raised to value an honest day’s work. Jake could be a stern taskmaster. “Bud” told me that their week was church on Sunday and Sunday night, church Wednesday, and athletics during the week. The rest of the time he plowed fields behind a mare that had seen better days.
At age 19, Bud enlisted in the Navy along with his younger brother, Bill. The Korean War was underway. He enjoyed basic training in San Diego, California. He was eventually stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Maricopa County, Arizona. He was the pitcher for the Luke Air Force Base baseball team. In between his duties, he managed to get his pilot’s license. When his tour of duty expired he bought a small single engine plane and flew his wife and baby daughter back to Texas from Arizona – landing on a red dirt road at the farm. For the rest of his life, he loved flying and aircraft. Someone told me that he was rated in every type of aircraft except for a hot air balloon.
Bud will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He always seemed bigger than life, Crop duster, bush pilot, civilian helicopter, flight instructor, skilled horseman, Peace officer of McCook, Texas, and great fix-it person.
Bud was survived by his wife, Elva Annette Herring; his daughters, Vickie Gartrell (Harry Gartrell) and Debbie Farrar (Lawson Farrar); 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sons, Roger Herring and Rick Herring.
A graveside service for Bud will be held Monday, September 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery.
If desires memorials may be made to the Watkins Logan Texas State Veterans Home,11466 Honor Lane Tyler, Texas 75708, (903) 617-6150.
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