John Herring(Tulia)

September 24, 2011 Tulia, Texas—John Wilson Herring, a lifelong resident of Tulia, Texas, passed away September 21, 2011, following an illness. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 26, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Tulia with Rev. Charles Davenport officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the funeral home. John was born to Charles T. Herring and Lena Wimberly Herring on June 28, 1948 in Tulia. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, John was always generous and caring for his family, friends, and employees. John was a loyal servant of the Lord, always striving to help those less fortunate. He was a deacon and active member of the First Baptist Church of Tulia. After graduating from Tulia High School in 1966, John attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where he was inducted into Alpha Zeta, an honorary agricultural fraternity. He graduated first in his college with a B.S. Degree in Agronomy in 1970 and completed several post graduate courses. John and Jeannett Ruland, lifelong friends, became engaged in 1968 and were married on January 23, 1970. John often described Jeannett as the love of his life and his best friend. John began farming and ranching with his father in 1970 and went on to establish a successful, independent farming operation. He was named to “Who’s Who” among Young Americans, a professional recognition organization. For many years, he operated a highly regarded Farm Management Service for local and absentee landlords. John also was an award-winning Pioneer Seed Dealer for many years. In addition, he authored a popular weekly column on farming called “Out at the Farm” in area newspapers. John’s passion and acumen as a steward of the land led to leadership positions in agricultural organizations including membership in the Tule Creek Soil and Water Conservation District for over 30 years, being named Conservationist of the Year and later serving as Board Chairman. An active promoter of local business and commerce, John was a partner in establishing the Highland Park RV business and helped found the Swisher County News. Additional civic and local involvement included serving as a Trustee for the Tulia ISD School Board, membership on the Historical Commission, and consistently supporting 4-H and the Swisher County Stock Show. John never saw an agricultural activity he was not interested in, taking his family on vacations coast to coast, touring diverse farming operations, educating friends, family and strangers on all aspects of growing and nurturing crops and the associated business involved. John’s greatest love and passion was for his wife and children and grandchildren, generating a home filled with laughter, love and knowledge. His spirit will forever provide happiness and peace to those that loved him and knew him well. John was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Glen Herring. Survivors include his wife: Jeannett Herring of Tulia, his son and daughter-in-law: Jeremy and Kimberly Herring of Lubbock, his daughter and son-in-law: Jonna and Brian Brashear of Dallas, his brother: Robert Herring of Waco, his sister: Edith Johnson of Childress, his sister-in-law: Nell Herring of Arlington, his mother-in-law: June Ruland of Tulia, his sister-in-law: Lora Strather of Panhandle and three grandchildren: Ava Claire Brashear of Dallas, Brenden Wyatt Herring and Dylan Charles Herring, both of Lubbock. Memorials may be made to the Swisher County Historical Commission, PO Box 136, Tulia, Texas 79088, First Baptist Church, 101 N. Crosby, Tulia, Texas 79088 or to the Swisher County Museum, 127 SW 2nd, Tulia, Texas 79088. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.