John G. Herring

HAMILTON - John G. (Papa John) Herring, 74, of Hamilton passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at the Marcus Daly Hospice and Palliative Care Center. He was born October 19, 1939 in Charleston, WV, the son of George T. and Mildred (Shobe) Herring.

John received his Bachelors degree from Averett College in Danville, VA. He then earned his Master's of Divinity from Duke University and became a Minister for several years in Virginia.

He married Patricia Dixon on September 3, 1960 in Portsmouth, VA and together they had 4 children. John and Pat eventually relocated to Colorado and then to Utah where John was a counselor at a psychiatric hospital. They moved to Hamilton in 2007.

John loved serving as a volunteer for several years in Missoula and Hamilton as a Foster Grandparent. He enjoyed making native flutes and with that playing and composing Native American music. He also loved carving wood walking sticks.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Dixie Inman. He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Hamilton; his 4 children, Debbie (Antonio) Aguilar of Hamilton, John George Herring, Jr. of Elko, NV, Russell Herring of Colorado Springs, CO and Kenneth Herring of Hamilton; 14 grandchildren, Chela Alt, Ty Despain, Tara Harbour, Eddie and Eileen Esparza, Michelle Lopez, Yanna Herring, Preston and Parker Herring, Josh and Ashley Merrell, Ethan Wagner, Ashley Stewart and Alex Aguilar; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made in John's name to the Haven House, 316 N. 3rd St, Hamilton, MT 59840.