HERRING

Richard E. Herring, otherwise known as “Sonny”, was born Oct. 6, 1946 to Doris and Earl B. Herring in Greenville, Ala.. Sonny departed this life on Feb. 3.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Doris Herring, and son, David Herring.

He is survived by his wife Marti Herring; son Brandon Herring and wife Camille of Sealy; brothers Mick Herring and wife Irene of Cypress, Mark Herring and wife Kim of Katy; grandsons Hunter and Jaxon Herring of Sealy, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sonny spent his childhood in Greenville, Ala. until his dad was transferred to Italy. They were in Italy for four years and then moved to Ft. Ord, California where he graduated from Seaside High School in Monterrey, California. Upon graduation he joined the Air Force and was sent to Vietnam. When he returned from Vietnam he was stationed in Homestead, FL and Clovis, New Mexico. He was then discharged from the Air Force Oct. 1, 1969, and returned to Houston. It was here that he met the love of his life, Marti. They were married and have enjoyed 52 wonderful years together.

Sonny began his working career in the oilfield in the 1970s. He started out at Stewart & Stevenson as an electrician, NL Controls as a service hand, Koomey as plant manager, Bawden Drilling as a logistics manager, and finally retiring from Atwood Oceanics in 2011 after 20 years as a subsea engineer. His work took him to many countries around the world including Australia, Brazil, Burundi, Brunei, Cyprus, Egypt, Equator-Guinea, Greece, Ghana, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Somalia.

After retiring he and Marti enjoyed traveling the US on their Honda Goldwing, visiting national parks. He had wanted to see the US after living and working overseas for much of his life. Sonny and Marti had been to everywhere except Key West, FL. A trip that was in the works but not meant to be.

One of Sonny’s passions after retirement was the Columbus Lions Club. He loved the fellowship and enjoyed cooking burgers for events. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. He could be found at the ballpark with his bag of peanuts, coaching from the stands and cheering on Hunter and Jaxon.

Sonny has always been a large presence in our family as well as in many other lives and will be dearly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Hall, 1630 Meyer St, Sealy, Texas 77474 on Saturday, Mar. 19 at 2 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Columbus Lions Club, P.O. Box 532, Columbus, Texas 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.

ROLL TIDE!