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FERNANDO ANTONIO HERRERA M.D.

FERNANDO ANTONIO HERRERA M.D. obituary

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Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

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Memphis, Tennessee

FERNANDO HERRERA Obituary

Fernando Antonio Herrera, MD, beloved father and friend, passed away on December 19, 2013. Dr. Herrera was born in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico to Fernando Herrera Montes De Oca and Susana Pedraza Vazquez on January 17th, 1943, the oldest of eight children. He moved to the United States at a young age to complete his medical training, and dedicated himself to the art of surgery and saving lives. Freddie changed the lives of all who knew him and always took interest in the disadvantaged, often providing life-changing opportunities to those many might overlook. Dr. Herrera was a member of an extensive list of societies and colleges, including the American Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Memphis Surgical Society, and Southern Thoracic Society. He is survived by his eight beloved children, Maria Brennan, Claudia Thompson (Brian), Fernando, Jr., MD, Andrew, Evan, Alexander, Tucker, and Brayden; four grandchildren, Ryan Brennan, Aiden Brennan, Dylan Thompson, and Reagan Thompson; as well as Brittany Tumey, the mother of his two youngest children. He is also survived by his dear and devoted friends, Rafaela Herrera, MD; Tom and Robin Watson; Marty Regan; and Tricia Campbell, who worked tirelessly as his right hand for many years. Freddie is further survived by his best friend and "brother from another mother" John Kurdelmeyer and his amazing wife Rhonda, as well as numerous colleagues upon whose lives he has left an indelible impact. He will be sorely missed. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 22 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Dr. Fernando Herrera Scholarship at the University of Tennessee, by a gift to the UT Foundation, UT Health Science's College of Medicine to the attention of Zach Pretzer, Development Director, 625 Dunlap St., #513, Memphis, TN 38163. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com

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Published by The Courier Express on Dec. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for FERNANDO HERRERA

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Randall Smith RN

February 21, 2025

I came across this obituary. I worked at in surgery as a registered nurse when he was there. Are we talking about the same person? It was my experience that he treated St. Francis Hospital nurses (by that I mean ones who actually worked for St. Francis. Not the people who worked for him. He had a bad temper toward people from what I could see.

sam Patterson Jr

July 31, 2014

Oh my gosh..I am so bummed, it seemd like a few weeks ago that last saw Freddie driving down the street. I can't believe Freddie is gone; I loved Freddie; he was such a kind nice guy who always had a smile on his face. Met him during his residency . God speed ! RIP

Christopher Hendrix

June 3, 2014

I'm embarrassed to say that I just today heard about Dr. Herrera's passing. I assisted Dr. Herrera and Dr. Wilhite on numerous surgical cases years ago. Since I've been in practice in Memphis, we have worked together on several occasions. Its been a privilege to call Freddie friend and colleague. Remember all the good times. Freddie would have wanted smiles and happiness and rejoicing for his Peace. God Bless... Dr. Hendrix

May 13, 2014

Yes he was my dads surgeon with his aneurysm and we were so happy when he gave our dad back to us for a while longer...thank you Dr Herrera...our prayers are with the family...

MaryAnn Gray

May 12, 2014

My love and much respect to Dr. Herrerra and family. With God mercy and DR. HERRERA , we had 13 extra yes. Of life with my Dad. Dr. H. Saved my Father at St. Francis, memphis in 1983. Now my brother needs help. I am deeply saddened to learn that our earthly Angel, has been called to Heaven . May he rest well and God grant. Him eternal Peace. Will not forget this precious man, Mary Ritcheson Gray.

Wendy Wilkins

March 20, 2014

WOW, just got the news today!! I will miss Dr. Herrera he was a good BOSS that spoke his mind in both languages!!(smile)

February 15, 2014

We send our sincere condolences. Fernando was a good neighbor. We bless all of you.
Gary and Gail Weaver

Maria Herrera Brennan

February 11, 2014

One of the only things that makes this any easier is seeing the messages from his patients and how he did such important work. He was an amazing man no doubt and I miss him so much already. Thank you all for your kind words.

Tony Little

February 11, 2014

He saved my life
feb 1 2013. He will always be a part of my family and in our prayers. All the good people go home to early. Thanks
Dr H

William Beeson

February 10, 2014

I was greatly sadden by the news of his death. The doctor saved my life.

Joyce turner

February 8, 2014

The Lord used Dr. Herrera to save my husband's life. He will be greatly missed. May God bless his family.

chushelia fisher

January 9, 2014

Greatly missed

janice butler

January 7, 2014

dear family of dr. herrera, i needed a surgery that is not covered by insurance. i was referred to dr. herrera for a consultation and when he learned of my need and my desperate plight he so kindly and generously offered his services to me. i have never been treated with such tenderness of heart. i deeply regret that due to scheduling i was not able to have him perform the surgery but i will never forget his kind, sweet spirit. heaven truly has another angel. may god bless you and keep you in your time of grief.
sincerely yours,

January 6, 2014

Happy Monday To the family!!
Dr. Herrera saved my fiancé's life Willie Wells we will always be grateful for that kind deed. He will truly be blessed. Glenda Mitchell

Rhonda Hamlett

January 6, 2014

So many great memories I have of Dr. Herrera - from his moonlighting in our Emergency Department (many years ago), to his consulting and providing education to our medical staff, to his skilled surgical hands that healed my son-in-law just a few years ago. He had a heart of gold, a smile that would put your heart at ease - never to worry - you were in good hands with Dr. Herrera. My heart is now heavy with this sad news. No one will ever know the extent his skills and kindness reached. I miss you, Dr. Herrera!

isaac lewis

January 3, 2014

THANK YOU FOR GIVING MY WIFE AN EXTRA LIFE YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A Place IN OUR HEART

CHUSHELIA FISHER

January 3, 2014

I'M SADDEN BY THE DEATH OF MY BELOVED HEART DOCTOR WHICH SAVED MY LIFE ON SEPTEMBER 08 2005 FROM A MIRAL VAVLE PROLAPSE REPLACEMENT I'M SO GREATFUL TO HAVE A WONDERFUL DR IN MY LIFE THAT SAVED ME JUST WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME OUT TO THANK HIM FOR HIS GREAT WORK FOR ALL THE YEARS THAT HE WAS MY DOCTOR YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED I'LL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS ALONG WITH THAT GREAT STAFF THAT WORKED WITH YOU GOD BLESS.

Mark Tucker

January 1, 2014

Was so shocked to hear of Dr. Herrera's passing. He was the surgeon who replaced my father's heart mitral valve just this May. We lost Dad in August due to complications, but we thank God that He used Dr. Herrera to extend his life for even a few weeks. My prayer is that he found my Dad when he arrived in Heaven. They worship the Great Physician up close now as they are both permanently healed. Prayers for the family he leaves behind.

Steve Pu

December 30, 2013

Coleen and I want to send our deepest sympathies. To say he will be missed, is an understatement for our community in Kennett, Missouri. As a friend and colleauge, he was always there for us. Rest in peace, Freddie!

Catherine Brannon

December 29, 2013

Please know our beach prayers are with you!! Much love, Catherine and George Brannon

Maria Herrera Brennan

December 27, 2013

I want to thank all our friends and family who have been so supportive during this difficult time. Our family is so grateful for your kindness!

December 27, 2013

We're stunned and saddened to learn of Dr. Herrera's death.

I'm forever in his debt for his skill as a surgeon, but he was equally a friendly, down-to-earth guy to talk with. I'm very glad we ran into him at River Oaks a few months ago and had a chance to chat one last time.

We're praying for you and your family, Doc. Bon voyage.

Gordon & Barbara Hanson

TED WALKER

December 25, 2013

I GIVE DR. HERRERA CREDIT FOR SAVING MY LIFE ,NOT ONCE,BUT TWICE WITH OPEN HEART SURGERY. HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND TO SPEND EXTRA TIME WITH US FOLLOWING THE SURGERIES. WE WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL FOR THE QUALITY OF LIFE HE ALLOWED ME TO LIVE. THANK YOU DR. HERRERA.

Maria Llamazares Pedraza

December 25, 2013

My first cousin who got our admiration not only for his outstanding achievements but also for his empathy with the poor and disadvantaged people to whom plenty of them he helped to recover from their illness.

Angela Hawkins

December 23, 2013

Praying for you family during this time of great loss. He was a wonderful surgeon and a lot of fun!

Laurie Burdick

December 23, 2013

So sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to work with Dr. Herrera, he was a compassionate and caring. He will be sorely missed

Sandra Bounds

December 23, 2013

Saint Francis Hospital will never be the same without you. You will be dearly missed Dr. Herrera. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Herrera family. Sandra Bounds

December 22, 2013

Mis condolencias a toda la Familia de mi hermano Fernando Antonio, su partida nos deja a todos un gran vacío imposible de llenar, el siempre fue para mí como un padre y un gran ejemplo siempre estuve orgulloso de él, que Dios lo tenga en su Santa Gloria y les conceda una pronta resignación
Atentamente
Jorge Alberto Herrera Pedraza y Familia

F.J. Martinez-Torres, M.D.

December 22, 2013

I raise a prayer for you. My sincere condolences to your family.
Your godson,
Francisco Javier

December 21, 2013

I worked with Dr. Herrera in surgery at St. Francis Hospital and later in his office with him and Dr. Wilhite..he was beyond being the best cardiovascular surgeon....he was a man who genuinely cared for others...he took care of my brother who died awaiting a heart transplant...he was a good friend...our thoughts and prayers are with Robin and the children and his other family...may God bless and keep you all in His care...He will wipe away all tears...Everett and Reba Guthrie

Brenda Ewing

December 21, 2013

May you rest in piece

December 21, 2013

Tabitha tumey

The Goss Family

December 21, 2013

May your faith, family, and friends give you strength and comfort. We are so sorry for your loss.

December 21, 2013

We are deeply saddened at the passing of Dr. Herrera. We will pray for him and the family, especially Alex. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Amen.
With love- Ed, Olive, & Andrew Cabigao

Judy Hunsucker

December 21, 2013

Our doctor and most of all our friend to our family. We love you and will miss you.

December 21, 2013

My family and I are so deeply saddened by the loss of this wonderful man, father, and surgeon. He had a gift from God. I KNOW my Precious Halle led him through Heaven's pearly gates. I cannot begin to explain how big Dr. Herrera's heart is and how many lives he's touched. My condolences to Maria, the rest of her siblings and other extended family members that I didn't have the honor of knowing. Each and every one of you are in my thoughts and prayers! With Love, Tammy and Rod Henderson, Gene and Debby Mosier, and Shane and Gena Doyle
We will see you again on the other side of Heaven, be watching for us!!

David McEwen

December 20, 2013

Dr. Herrera was a good friend and teacher. I assisted him on many surgeries in the eighties as a PA. A good man and Doctor. Thanks Freddie for all you taught me, rest in peace.

December 20, 2013

The Shearin family expresses our sincere condolences to Dr. Herrera's family. We will keep you in our prayers. Bob Shearin

December 20, 2013

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Herrera. To Alex, Evan and the remainder of the family, you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless

Delloyd Moffitt and Family

December 20, 2013

My condolences to the Herrera Family. Dr. Herrera saved my husband 's life about 15 years ago. He treated us with the utmost respect, answering all our questions without hesitation. I often think about him. So very sorry for your loss. The Cathey Family.

Thirkield Pamplin

December 20, 2013

You will be missed dearly.

Tonia Walton

December 20, 2013

Your are going to be deadly missed. I'm glad I got to meet you .

December 20, 2013

Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Herrera's family and friends. This man saved my husband's live thru 4 major surgeries and was not only his beloved doctor, but was his best friend, that we loved and admired. He will be greatly missed. The Dougherty Family : " Johnny Dark "

Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

December 20, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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