Elias Herrera

Elias Herrera

July 22, 1929  –  December 22, 2016

                Elias Herrera attended Martin High School and graduated in 1949.  While at Martin he was actively involved in football, baseball, and track.  He attended Laredo Junior College and was a manager and player of the L J C Palomino football team.  He was also a member of the track team and anchorman for the L J C one mile relay team that held the Border Olympic record for several years.  He was the last living member of that mile relay team. 

                He joined the Army and was a member of the 82^nd Airborne Division having more than 25 jumps to his credit.  He attained the rank of Corporal and was stationed in Army bases in Fort Benning, GA, Fort Bragg, NC Fort Leonard Wood, MO, as well as other stations in New York and California.  He gained skills in Morse Cod-Radio Operator, Demolition and Chemical Specialist and was also an Army Supply clerk.  He was Honorably Discharged as a Korean Veteran in 1955.

Soon after his discharge he attended Texas A&I University under the GI Bill.  He was one year away from an Engineering degree when he changed his major and graduated with a degree in education.  In 1937, he began his educational career teaching in a one room classroom for Nye Common School District, located on St. Maria Avenue, as a 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade teacher.  His school supplies consisted of a set of 4^th grade books, a set of 5^th grade books, a set of 6^th grade books, two pieces of chalk and one eraser.  The modern terms of multilevel, open concept and cross-leveling were being practiced in this 1957 country school.  School programs were an integral part of the concept of developing the whole child and he was an enthusiast advocated of this practice.

                In 1960, Nye, Cactus and Johnson/Masterson Elementary schools consolidated to form the United Consolidated Independent  School District.  Nye Elementary school was then located on Del Mar Blvd and served as the districts’ headquarter.  Mr. Herrera became the principal of Nye Elementary and Nye Junior High School.  As the principal of Nye Junior High School, he initiated the United Longhorn Yearbook and was the yearbook’s chief photographer.  Along with his chief responsibilities as a school principal he also was a coach, a bus driver, and a lunch line server giving the cafeteria cooks a much- needed extra hand.  He took pride in knowing all 400 students by name and knowing most all their parents.

                During United ISD formative years, Mr. Herrera was responsible for serving as the first administrator for several departmental positions within the school district:  the only principal for Nye Junior High School, District Director of Lunch Programs, Director of Transportation, Director of Maintenance and Janitorial Services, Program Director of School Elections, District Discipline Hearing Officer, District Certified Asbestos Supervisor, District Assistant Superintendent, Athletic Director, Interim Superintendent, and Director of Support Services.  He developed the Student Rider’s Handbook, established précised school bus routes, in charge of district purchasing and moving portable classroom buildings, and supervised Man Power Programs.  Mr. Herrera has had a tremendous impact in United ISD growth and development.  Mr. Herrera retired from United ISD in 1997 with forty years of service.

                He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Simona Herrera and by a brother, Ignacio Herrera and a sister, Simona Herrera.   He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Olga N. Fernandez Herrera and his nine children:  Elias Herrera Jr., Rose A (Albert Jr.) Saldivar, Ricardo X (Maria) Herrera, Brenda M (Robert) Wolf, Olga Sue Herrera-Omar, Bernadette (Jesus) Collazo, Kenneth E. Herrera, Dr. Juan Jose (Anissa) Herrera, Dr. Lydia A. (Dr.Nathan) Wiederhold.;  Grandchildren: Damien Herrera, Albert J Saldivar, Alexis M Saldivar, Matthew Wolf, Michael Wolf, Sally Omar, Ashley Collazo, Aaron Collazo, Joe Collazo, Gabriel Herrera, Isabel Herrera, Amelia Wiederhold, and Samuel Wiederhold; siblings: Lydia Herrera, Antonia Herrera, Juan Herrera; several nieces and nephews.

                The family wants to thank the following for their compassionate care, understanding and service:  the entire 3^rd floor nursing staff of DHOL, M.A. Click MD, M. Haber, MD, R. Godines, MD, R. Deliz MD, L. Benavidez MD, D. Menchaca MD, Raquel Estrada and Merida Home Health.

                Mr. Herrera was a man of great faith, a devote Catholic and a member of St. Patrick church, ever since mass services were first held at Mary Help of Christian’s cafeteria.  The family received guests on Monday, December 26, 2016 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Fred Dickey Funeral and Cremation Services.  A holy rosary was recited at 7:00 pm.  Funeral services were Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at St. Patrick church.  Funeral mass was celebrated at 10 am.    Interment followed to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Full military honors were provided by the United States Army.

                Service arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral and Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr, Laredo, TX 78041.  For more information call (956)723-3611.  You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com