Robert Herring

Bob was born in Modesto, California to RV and Muriel Herring. The youngest of three children, his early life portended a future dedicated to hard work, honesty and an unwavering devotion to his faith and family.

As a young man, Bob loved to run. His nickname was BB, which aptly described his speedy ways. Only days before his death, you might have seen him running across a parking lot for fun, it was just his way. He valued smart business sense, and with his work ethic, he started his own Horse Boarding business to pay for college. He tried his hand at many things and developed a variety of skills. He was a minor league pitcher for the Modesto Bee’s, he pastored a church, taught as a schoolteacher, built and tuned pianos, was a master carpenter, a licensed electrician and even built his own wooden speed boat.

It happened to be while he was building his boat in 1968 that he met and fell in love with Deborah Kay Knight. They soon married and moved to Spokane, Washington, becoming an inseparable team for the next 57 years. Later in life, Bob reflected that he couldn’t have done anything without her. They were best friends and brought the best out in each other.

In 1981, they moved to Boise, ID and Bob began a 43-year career as a State Farm Agent. During most of that career, he was supported by Debbie who faithfully worked in his office through thick and thin, in sickness and health. He served his community with integrity and care, calling many of his client’s good friends. It was common for him to work 70 hours a week, and he took pride in going years without a day off. It was who he was.

As a husband and father, Bob showed incredible dedication. He never missed a soccer game, school event or important family get together. He used his woodworking skills to make gifts and build a family cabin; he beautified the yard for two weddings and never failed to make time for the kids. He was devoted and dedicated and often did things for others without their knowledge.

Dad was the backbone of our family, and we will miss his advice and witty banter, but most of all, we’ll miss his presence in our lives. He cared immensely for the family and sometimes struggled to express it – but he showed it through his actions and dedication. As a man of faith, and a devout Christian, he loved God, his family, his country, and defended those ideals. He worked right up to the day he died; it was who he was…a husband, a father, a friend. Bob was called home sooner than any of us would have wanted. He left a piece of himself behind in the form of cherished memories and a legacy that will continue until we are united again. Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Debbie; his four children, Christi (Brent), Aaron (Laura), Mike (Tenille), and Amber (Brett); his twelve grandchildren, Blake (Ashley), Autumn, Madison, Gwenyth, Amelia, Bailey, Brayden, Ahnalyn, Mallory, Peyton, Jayce, and Hazel; and his great-grandchild, Ellie. He was also survived by his sister Bobbi (Dave) Hunter and their six children and families.