Joseph Herring

1951 - 2025

Joseph "Joe" L. Herring Jr., 74, passed away on November 12, 2025, in Twin Falls, Idaho surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on June 4th, 1951 in Montgomery, Ala. to Margie (Schabach) Herring and Joseph L. Herring Sr. He spent his early years living throughout the deep South including homes in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, until the family moved to New Mexico for Joseph, Sr.'s opportunity to support legal work at White Sands Missile Range. In 1969, Joe graduated from Mayfield High School in Las Cruces, N.M. and continued his education at the University of New Mexico - Albuquerque before entering the U.S. Army at Fort Polk, LA in January of 1972. Following his discharge, Joe attended New Mexico State University earning a bachelor's degree in Geography. A graduate fellowship opportunity at the University of Idaho led Joe to the Gem State in 1980. While at UI, Joe took a land-use planning position in a nearby community to earn some pocket money. That part-time gig kindled a passion for assisting Idaho's rural. communities, which in turn drove his decades long commitment to public service. In January 1986, Joe moved to Twin Falls, Idaho and took over the helm of Region IV Development Association (RIVDA). Over the next 30+ years, Joe built that organization into a strong and respected partner for communities and businesses across the state. Joe retired from RIVDA in September of 2017.

A hardworking and practical man, Joe built a respected career as a businessman and community leader. Among the public boards where he shared his gifts for leadership (including many years as chairman), Joe held positions on ITD's Public Transportation Advisory Council, Idaho Rural Partnership, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Idaho-Nevada CDFI (New West Community Capital), and the South-Central Community Action Partnership.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless days hiking, camping, backpacking, and rafting throughout the western U.S. and into the mountains of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska. On December 22nd, 1988, Joe married Carleen (Pierce) and gained a loving partner to share in many of these adventures. They passed along their love of wilderness to their daughter, Abigail "Abi", who they welcomed on July 4th, 1991 and took on her first camping trip only six weeks later.

At home, Joe was known for being an excellent chef. He enjoyed cooking traditional New Mexican meals for his family. Joe was a lover of all things spicy and had an extensive hot sauce collection that was a point of pride and a frequent conversation starter.

Joe will be greatly missed by his wife, Carleen; and daughter, Abi (Tim) Lee. Per his wishes, Joe will be cremated, and a private memorial ceremony will be held at the family's annual camping spot on the Clearwater River next summer.