Thomas B. Herring

Feb. 18, 1936-May 23, 2011

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Thomas B. Herring, 75, died Monday (May 23, 2011) at his home in Benkelman.

He was born Feb. 18, 1936, in St. Francis, Kansas, to Thomas and Esther (Hellsinger) Herring. He attended country school near his family's farm in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and then attended high school in Bird City, Kansas where he was a member of the 1954 graduating class of Bird City High School. He went on to continue his education at the University of Kansas where he received his bachelor's degree in agriculture.

After graduation, he returned to Benkelman, Nebraska where he taught school for several years. He retired soon after from teaching so he could devote all his time to farming.

On Jan. 18, 1995, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Riosario in Imperial, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Benkelman.

He retired from a lifetime of farming in 2005 due to his health.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Esther Herring.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Herring of Benkelman; sister, Muriel Jones of Pratt, Kansas; and step-daughter, Lia Cunningham and husband, Nathan of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Funeral services are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. MDT, at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Rev. Thomas Wiedel officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation with family present is Monday, 2-5 p.m.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.