Anastacio "Andy" Herrera

Early on a beautiful sunny morning our “Backbone”, a dedicated and loving Husband, Father, Honorary Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, family member and friend to many; Anastacio “Andy” Herrera gained his wings peacefully in his home with his wife by his side after having been surrounded by so many family and friends.

Andy was born and raised in Bryan, Texas to Manuel and Lupita Herrera. As a graduate of Stephen F Austin High School in 1957 he lettered in football and baseball, winning the AAA State Baseball Championship with The Bryan Broncos. There after he attended Texas A&M University, where his studies led him to real estate and paralegal studies in immigration. During this time he continued his active role in the community as a coach at 19 years old in the Anson Jones Babe Ruth League. He also umpired and coached at Blinn College and Prairie View A&M while in school himself. Those athletes have gone on to serve our community as well in various capacities, crediting the values and mentorship Coach Andy imprinted upon them. His involvement and service to the community actually begin in 1953 holding positions at Chapman’s Paint, Bryan Post Office and radio at KTAM-KORA selling advertisements and hosting a spanish language program on Sundays, ultimately earning him a spot on the board of KAMU TV, where he served two terms. Later he became the first Hispanic to be elected to Bryan City Council in 1969 serving three terms. In 1977 he was then appointed to Chairman of the Manpower Planning Committee, whereafter Governor Bill Clements appointed him Chair for the State of Texas. Throughout those years he was a devout congregant of Primera Iglesia Bautista and served on their board as well.

Among his many accolades, two of his most distinguished awards were as the recipient of The Jaycees Presidential Award of Honor in 1977 and The Hispanic Forums Lifetime Achievement Award of 2013.

However; among all of his achievements, his fulfillment came from his family over the decades. He was the most present person ensuring their happiness as he spent a majority of his life alongside his wife together traveling these states with generations in tow for their work in immigration as well as leisurely. He took in every moment behind the wheel delighting in the beauty of nature and his passion for birdwatching, hawk spotting, airplane counting, sunrise and set chasing-a hobby he has passed on to so many of his grandchildren. Anyone that knew him knew of his passion for getting lost down an isle or two in search of sports memorabilia, action figurines, hot wheels and coins to add to his collection. Popos’ later years in life were filled with his pride and joys in that of his grands! There wasn’t a conversation to be had with him that didn’t involve the consumption of their activities and joy that it brought him. Every opportunity he had, Popos would make his way court, stage or fence side to watch his babies in action and when he wasn’t able to make it-he wanted a full report.

As a jack of all trades, his best asset was his uncanny ability to make everyone he came in contact with feel like a tenured friend just like family. His lively disposition brightened up any room he entered, filling it with love and laughter. To have known him was to love him. There aren’t enough words to encompass the intangible quality of a man he was, the experiences he provided or the love and support he showed his family every day through action. In discussion with his granddaughter she inquired, “What would you want others to know of you, to remember you by Dad?”, to which he responded without hesitation, “That I was it!” Which we all can concur that his statement was very true….THAT HE WAS THAT MAN!

Andy is preceded by his parents Manuel and Lupita Herrera; Brothers John, Moses and Richard Herrera; Sisters Eunice Bosquez and Molly Grimaldo; Daughter Elizabeth Herrera; and Son Sonny Casarez.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Julia Herrera; Sons Andy Jr. and wife Anna Herrera, James and wife Virginia Herrera; Daughters Patty and husband Juan A Romero, Mary Herrera, Molly and husband Richard Holloway; Honorary Daughters Staci Vasquez, Stephanie and husband Virgil Ponce, Shelli and husband Wyatt Davenport; Grandchildren James III, Sydney, Lizzie, Garrett, John, MariElena, Hunter, Jackie, Margaret, Quentin, Esteban, Andy III and Emily; Great-Great Grandchildren Juliana, Lucy, Christian, Gabriella, Adalynn, Annalise, Jaxtyn, Zane, Aubrey, Ace, Mason, and Gianna.

A visitation for Andy will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Primera Iglesia Bautista with burial to follow at Bryan City Cemetery.