Richard Joseph Herres, 89, of Pomeroy, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Richard was born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1934, in Pomeroy and was the 10th child born to M.P. and Mary (Kucklick) Herres.
He attended Holy Rosary Catholic School through the fourth grade and then St. Patrick’s in Walla Walla, where he finished schooling and spent the early part of his life.
Richard returned to Pomeroy, where he worked on the family farm for the Herres Brothers and for Ted Feider on his farm.
Richard joined the U.S. Army on Nov. 5, 1957. Basic training was at Fort Ord, Calif. Then he went to Fort Monmouth, N.J., to train to be a telecommunications specialist. He spent the remainder of his time at Fort Gordon, Ga., where he oversaw a group that went into areas after hurricanes and tornados setting up telephone communication stations. Rich traveled the southern U.S. on many missions, repairing and setting up stations, He enjoyed his work. Richard was discharged just as the Vietnam War was starting and never served overseas. He remained on standby for four years and was honorably discharged in October 1963.
Richard went to work for his brother Joe, at Walla Walla in the alfalfa and cattle production. In the spring of 1970, he returned to Pomeroy to work for his brother Swede, (Leonard) in the grain, seed and feed business until his retirement.
Richard was always a quick volunteer, whether you were reroofing your house or needed a “Santa” for a Christmas gathering, he was always a willing volunteer.
During his life he enjoyed boating at the Snake River and snowmobiling with the Mount Misery Sno-Drifters Club. He spent many weekends in the mountains cutting firewood for family and friends.
After he retired, he would go to Walla Walla in the spring and bring back boxes of fresh asparagus for all the family. Then later he would bring back fresh strawberries, he was really a very generous man.
He was “Uncle Rich” to his nieces and nephews and many others that knew him. He was especially close to the nieces and nephews in Walla Walla having spent his early years there when they were young. They were like his own children.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Pomeroy Eagles.
Richard is survived by 30 of his 47 nieces and nephews and many extended family members. Sister-in-law Frances Roth, of Walla Walla. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sister Mary Ann Herres; and eight brothers Mike, Leonard, John, Herman, Ferd, Hubert, Joe and Jim.
The family is very appreciative of the care that was provided for Richard by the staff at Memory Manor in Pomeroy.
A funeral will take place Saturday, May 11. A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 634 High St., Pomeroy, followed by a graveside service at Holy Rosary Cemetery and then a reception in the Holy Rosary Catholic School Hall. Please join us in remembering our uncle.
Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus council 1460 or the Garfield County Hospital District HUGS hospital auxiliary.
