Howard Joseph Herring

Howard Joseph Herring, age 89, of Kountze, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1936, in Erie, PA.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Howard learned early the value of dedication. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, carrying himself with a focused, no‑nonsense determination that became his trademark for many years. Yet beneath that tough exterior lived a man who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and, in his later years, softened into the warm, gentle “teddy bear” his family came to cherish. His love story with his first wife, Ernestine, began through their fathers, who were fishing buddies. Their bond grew into a beautiful marriage and children. Losing Ernestine far too early, in her 50s, left a hole in Howard’s heart. But life brought love back to him when he met Judy at church. Their years together in Florida were filled with companionship, sunshine, and faith until her passing. After Judy’s death, Howard returned to Texas to be close to his son, Mike. He was a proud grandfather. Howard found peace in nature and was an avid hunter who felt most at home in the woods. When he wasn’t outside, he could often be found in front of a Western: The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and many others. Howard lived a full life. His presence will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Richard Herring, and Michael Ford Herring and wife, Catherine; daughter, Tammi Drohn and husband, Phillip; brothers, William Herring and Larry Herring; sisters, Kathy Bielak and Ruthie Zaborowski; grandchildren, Nicholas Herring, Sarah Herring, and Samantha Bowser; great-grandchildren, Presley, Liam, Avery, and Waylon; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones. 

Preceding Howard in death are his parents, Howard Herring and Grace Kaizer; wife, Ernestine Marie Herring; second wife, Judy Herring; and daughter in law, Sherry Herring.

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