Harold "Gene" Herring

Gene Herring passed away from complications of Alzheimer's Disease on October 16, 2016. He was born in Elkhart, IN, on April 14, 1928. At the age of 18, he petitioned for and won appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 1950 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. In 1950, he met Norma Jean Murphy of Coldwater, MI, and they were soon married in San Francisco, CA. He decided to retire from the Navy in 1954 to spend more time with his family. After earning a master's degree in hydrology from Michigan State University, Gene went to work for the U.S. Forest Service, a career that brought him and his family to Wenatchee, WA, for most of the 1960's and early 1970's. He retired from the Forest Service in 1983, and moved back to Wenatchee to build a home for him and his wife to enjoy for many years. He and Norma raised four children who have lived in different parts of the country over the course of their lives, but have always kept Wenatchee and their family close. Perhaps the words of one of his grandchildren can summarize the feelings of all of his children and grandchildren: "This Sunday came and went and took my Grandfather with it. He was one of the most kind and caring people I have ever met. He loved his children and his grandchildren and even his pets with the kind of love that's rare and so often taken for granted. Grandpa, you did more for me than I could have possibly repaid; I will forever appreciate my time with you. You were not just a great person, you were the best person. Thank you for loving us so much and so selflessly. Miss you Grandpa." Gene is survived by his wife, Norma; children: Anne Herring and husband, Jim Comer of Tucson, AZ, Bruce Herring and wife, Julie Bay of Wenatchee, WA, Kathy Robb and husband, Charlie Robb of East Wenatchee, WA, and David Herring of Alexandria, VA. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Brook, Peter, Erin, Carmen, Rebecca, and Nathan; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Sally Doty of Southfield, MI. He was predeceased by a younger brother, David, of Dayton, OH. His wife and family would like to thank Wanda Trail and the staff at Wanda's Easy Living for the extraordinary compassion with which they cared for Gene at the end of his life. He was a man of quiet reserve who was respected by those who knew him for his abilities, good nature, and kindness. He was devoted to his wife and family, and he taught his children, by example, always to treat others with respect and to strive to be good members of our society. He was a good man who will be dearly missed. His family is planning a private service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, 1474 S. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA, 98801.

Harold "Gene" Herring

April 14, 1928 - October 16, 2016