Reverend Father Francisco Epigmenio Herrera, 87, retired priest of the Diocese of El Paso was received into eternal life on Sunday, September 11, 2022. He was born to Evarista and Lazaro Herrera on March 20, 1935 in Acambaro, Guanajuato, Mexico. Fr. Herrera was ordained to the priesthood on December 11, 1967. He had a Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy with a Minor in Psychology, a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling of the Deaf, and a Master of Science Degree in Theology. His accomplishments in his education took him to Washington, D.C. where he served as a Counselor at Gallaudet College. He was fluent in Spanish, English, and Sign Language and was in the process of learning French. Fr. Herrera established a religious program for the deaf in Tucson, Arizona and in El Paso, Texas. He was of great assistance to the deaf communities at St. Joseph and St. Pius X. He served at Our Lady of the Valley, Cristo Rey, Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph, and Queen of Peace. Although Fr. Herrera retired from active ministry in 1995, he continued to serve whenever possible and remained very active without having an assigned parish.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, brothers, Francisco Javier and Gregorio, and nephew Victor.
Fr. Herrera is survived by his nephews, Hector, Lazaro, Javier, Agustin, Jose Luis, Carlos, and Juan; nieces, Jovita, Rosa, Miriam, Lupe, Margarita, Maria, Lourdes, Virginia, and Patricia. He is also survived by many grandnieces, grandnephews and numerous friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Funeral Vigil to begin at 7 p.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St., El Paso, TX 79912. Christian Funeral Liturgy will be Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Casitas San Mateo-Home for Retired Priests, the Priest Retirement Fund, or St. Charles Seminary.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crestviewfuneralhome.com for the Herrera family.
