Hernan Herrera

Hernan Herrera was born 16 October 1945, in Ciudad Juárez Mexico to Miguel and Josefina Herrera. He was the oldest of six children. His family traveled to the United States in 1956, seeking opportunity, intent on following the American Dream. This dream came to fruition in 1966 when he became an American Citizen, an achievement he held in the highest regard until his death. He was a dignified man of many talents with a sense of humor bordering slapstick. He could demonstrate knowledge far beyond his years and suddenly erupt into hysterics over a fart joke. Through the influence of a music teacher, Mrs. Lois Hailey, he became a devotee of the arts and nurtured a love of music. He began playing the violin at the age of 11, a skill he carried throughout his lifetime, an impact that not only led to meeting his wife of forty-one years, Kathleen, but provided a segue into his service to the ministry. As a young boy, he attended Hart Elementary and Bowie Intermediate school in El Paso, Texas. Hernan graduated from Bowie High School (also in El Paso) in 1964, then enrolled at what was then Texas Western College right afterward. He was a private violin student of Abraham Chavez, the then concertmaster of the El Paso Symphony. Hernan graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1970, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. In college, he was a member of the orchestra for four years and played in every production which involved the orchestra, including public concerts and many operas and ballets. At the personal invitation of conductor Orlando Barera, he joined the El Paso Symphony in 1966 (playing as a member of the viola section) and played in the orchestra until leaving El Paso to reside in Pasadena, California after graduating from UTEP. His most memorable experiences with the orchestra were the Children's Concerts which the orchestra produced every year for elementary school students. Hernan was also a member of the Roswell (New Mexico) Symphony Orchestra during those same years. He utilized his musical abilities and talents serving in chamber ensembles and orchestras to provide music to church congregations throughout the United States. Above all, he was a man devoted to God and intent on serving him to the best of his ability. He was a member of the Worldwide Church of God (WWCG) and worked for 16 years in the personal correspondence department. In this vocation he responded to numerous letters and questions from people all over the world providing guidance through scripture. After his employment with the church ended, he remained committed to his calling. He served as counselor/editor on the board of directors for the Bible Fund, an international non-profit organization, dedicated to providing literature, guidance, and free materials to any seeking the word of God. He was supported in his calling with the love and devotion of his wife Kathleen. Since 1981, she has served by Hernan's side, providing love and support to his mission as well as raising three beautiful children Aaron, Alanna, and Adam.