Pedro “Pete” Herrera

Pedro “Pete” Herrera, 66, passed away on Friday December 19, 2025. Viewing will be held Monday, December 22, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:15 am and Celebration of Life Services will follow at 10:30 am at Lubbock Dream Center. Private Disposition under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Pedro “Pete” Herrera was a devoted son, father, grandfather, mentor, coach, and proud American patriot whose life was defined by service to his country, his family, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born on December 31, 1958, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Pete was the son of David Herrera and Manuela Hernandez Herrera. From an early age, Pete learned the value of hard work and perseverance while working alongside his father on farms and ranches throughout Tahoka, Post, and Lorenzo, Texas.

Pete attended high school in Lorenzo, Texas, and following high school answered the call to serve the country he loved so deeply by enlisting in the United States Navy. A true war hero, Pete served honorably in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He later continued his service as a reservist during Operation Iraqi Freedom, including service with Special Operations, SEAL, and Navy teams in Afghanistan. Pete loved America with his whole heart and fought bravely for the freedoms and values in which he believed. His service was not just a duty, it was an honor he carried with pride.

In his professional life, Pete worked as a skilled maintenance engineer and contractor, known for his reliability, problem-solving skills, and strong work ethic.

Beyond his military service and professional career, Pete’s greatest joy was pouring into others. He was a loving and generous man, known for his big heart, loyalty, and unwavering support of his family and friends. Pete was a great friend to many.

Pete was especially proud to coach his sons and countless other young men in football and boxing. A natural mentor, he invested deeply in the lives of youth, and many of the young men he guided continue to look up to him today.

A founder of the Matador Training Center, Pete created a place of purpose and opportunity where young men and women trained in boxing and martial arts. With gyms in East and North Lubbock, Pete took pride in helping our youth to build character, community, and hope.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother, Manuela Hernandez Herrera, his grandchild, Andrew Peter Herrera, nephew Stevie Ramirez, and brother in-laws Jesse Ramirez and Ray Lucio.

He is survived by his father, David Herrera of Corpus Christi; his sons, Caesare Yness Herrera of Lubbock, Ira Thomas Herrera of Lubbock, and Shawn Duggan Gould of San Angelo; his siblings Patty Ramirez of Lubbock, Norma Jean Herrera (Jesse Calzada) of Lorenzo, Silvestre Herrera (Alva) of Phoenix, Arizona, Renee Herrera of Lubbock, and Delia Garcia of Corpus Christi; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will forever carry his legacy forward.

Pete Herrera lived a life of courage, compassion, and service. He gave selflessly and loved deeply. May we all strive to live a life like Pete’s, one rooted in love, honor, and service.