James Michael Herald

Mike Herald, 81, of Abilene, Texas passed away December 28 in Abilene. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM, January 1, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Full military honor grave side services will be held at 10:00 AM, January 2, at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Clifford S. Stewart and Dr. Janice Six of First Central Presbyterian Church officiating. The Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM at First Central Presbyterian. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Mike was born in Buffalo, NY to William Leonard and Jessie Francella on April 17, 1937. He attended schools in the Buffalo area. Mike and Jean were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1956, in Aurora, Colorado. Mike had been a geologist for over 30 years after retiring from the Air Force and graduating from Hardin-Simmons University with a 3.96 GPA. Mike's tours of duty included Alaska, 2 in Colorado, England, Vietnam and 2 in Texas. Mike was a Bronze Star recipient for exemplary leadership while serving in Vietnam. Mike and Jean together had been active supporters of Meals on Wheels for many years and had been very active members of St. Paul United Methodist Church before attending First Central Presbyterian. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary. Mike is survived by Jean his wife, his 3 children, James Michael Jr., Katherine Proctor, and Scott. 3 grandchildren; Jennifer Curran, Alex Herald, and Lauren Milstein and 4 great-grandchildren; Andrew, Julia, Bruce and Riley Rose. Pallbearers will be the Military Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels or Rescue the Animals. The family of Mike wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the incredible loving support of the Hendrick Hospital Medical team, Hendrick Hospice, Visiting Angels, the pastors and members of First Central Presbyterian Church, the beautiful staff of Wisteria place, and all the wonderful friends and neighbors who have been there for us during dad's difficult times.