Thomas Herren, Jr.

LTC Thomas Wade Herren, Jr., age 84, of Jacksonville Florida, died August 12, 2017 in Jacksonville after a brief illness.  Tom was born at Ft. McPherson, GA, in 1933 to Thomas Wade and Lillian Corcoran Herren. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1955 and his L-2 classmates remained among his closest friends throughout his life. Tom served with distinction for 21 years in the United States Army (Infantry), achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He served in troop and staff commands in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. In the latter assignment, he fought with the 1st Cavalry Division in some of the hardest fighting of the war against regular North Vietnamese Units that infiltrated into South Vietnam during the TET Offensive. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm for his actions in Vietnam 1967-1968.  Later, on the Army Staff, he received the Legion of Merit for his  distinguished work on the Army Unification Command Plan. Tom retired in 1976 and had a second career as a military consultant.

Tom is survived by his wife, Margaret Allen Herren, his brother John Daniel Herren, and his sister-in-law Sally Hand Herren.  He leaves behind his children: Thomas Wade Herren III (Sydney), Kyle Herren Mody (Roger), Sarah Hanawald (Bryan), and Jennifer Hanawald (Warren) and six grandchildren: Mikelyn, Olivia, Julianna, Caroline, Georgia, and Max.

An avid hobbyist, Tom actively pursued his interests in skeet shooting,  Porsche racing, golf, and flying throughout his life. His shooting skill earned him countless medals as well as the distinction of serving as the captain of the West Point Skeet team for two years.  Tom taught his children, along with his son and daughter-in-laws, nieces, and nephews, to drive and shoot. In retirement, Tom was able to share his knowledge with the larger community, serving as a driving instructor and president of the Porsche Club.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Tom’s memory to Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation.