Arnold Rogers Herdman, 89, was born on October 19, 1921 in Decatur, TX and passed away at his home in Southlake, TX, Monday, July 18, 2011.
Arnold was a graduate of Paschal High School, Fort Worth, TX, Class of 1939, and later relocated to San Angelo, TX in the early 1940’s.
During World War II, Arnold served in the U.S. Army, as a staff sergeant and Chief Dispatcher of the Signal Corps. His tour of duty was in the European Theater, from which he was a recipient of five battle stars. He later returned to Caen France in 1994, the 50th anniversary of D-Day, where he was awarded the Normandy Commemorative Medal. This was given in recognition of being a part of the military invasion on Omaha Beach during D-Day June, 1944.
He married Velma Patton in 1943, (deceased). From this marriage, there were two daughters Carolyn and Aundria.
He married Louise Barkley in 1968, having one son, Dale.
Arnold founded Brownwood Glass and Mirror Company in Brownwood, TX (1954), and then turned the business to his daughter and son-in-law in 1975.
After this time he entered real-estate sales with interest in farm and ranch properties. He engaged in a lifelong dream and hobby—raising registered quarter horses and owning his own ranch. He retired in 2001, moving to Georgetown, TX (Sun City) and from there to Southlake, TX in 2008.
His affiliation in the Brownwood community consisted of leadership roles in various organizations. He served as Captain of the Brown County Sheriff’s Posse (mounted riding club), President of American Association of Sheriff’s Posses (AASP-Dist. V), Brown County Fair Association, Downtown Lions Club, Brownwood Athletic Association, Quarter Back Club, and served in various officer positions in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Elks Lodge. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce.
Arnold is preceded in death by his mother, Grace Herdman Fatherree, his father, Adam Herdman, and his sister Merry Jane Allen.
Surviving: Louise Herdman, wife and Carolyn Mabee, daughter, son-in-law Neil Mabee of Brownwood, TX; Aundria Crawford, daughter of Amarillo, TX; Dale Herdman, son, of Dallas, TX. Four grandchildren-Lee Mabee and Felicia Snapp of Brownwood, Heather Bundy and Ryan Crawforn of Amarillo; Four great-grandchildren-Sky Mabee and Jordan Snapp of Brownwood, Blake Bundy and Grace Bundy of Amarillo; a sister-in-law, Betty Barkley, of Borger; and five nieces and two nephews.
Graveside services will be under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home and conducted at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, TX on Saturday, July 23, at 10:00 A.M. Paul Kirby of Mullin will officiate.
Visitors are welcome Thursday evening at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, and Family will also receive visitors Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Brownwood Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials be sent to:
Shiners’ Burn Hospital for Children
815 Market Street
Galveston, TX 77550-2725
