Herbert Vincent Wales, Jr.

April 22, 1929 - March 14, 2010

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Wild Horse Foundation

Saturday 3/20, 1:30 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Friday 3/19, 5:45 am

Herbert Vincent Wales, Jr. was born on April 22, 1929 in Fort Worth, Texas to Herbert Vincent Wales, Sr. and Margaret Cross Wales and died after a long valiant fight with cancer in Midland, Texas on March 14, 2010.In his early years he and his family lived in Los Angeles, California, Evansville, Indiana and finally settled in Dallas, Texas. He was raised with an adopted sister Omega Ann (Patsy) Blackman. Herb graduated cum laude from Highland Park High School in 1946 where he played football and enjoyed all state honors on the state champion Scotty's.Herb attended Southern Methodist University on a football scholarship winning the Southwest Conference (SWC) Championship in 1947 and 1948, playing with football notables Kyle Rote and Heisman Trophy Winner Doak Walker. He served as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, graduating with a degree in Business (BBA) and Law (Juris Doctor). After graduating college and working in Midland, Texas, Herb decided to work his way around the world. Herb began his two year adventure touring the South Sea Islands, Australia and New Zealand, working as a deckhand aboard the 120 foot sailing yacht, the Te Vega. He spent six months in Australia and New Zealand and caught a freighter for Southeast Asia and on into Europe. Herb returned home to Midland and the Oil and Natural Gas industry, where he worked for over two decades. Herb opened a law practice in Midland, Texas in 1985 and practiced until his retirement in January 2010, never loosing his love for adventure and the sea.Herb served his community and fellow man with passion and belonged to various landmen organizations throughout Texas and Oklahoma; was a member of the State Bar Associations of Texas and Oklahoma; and the U. S. District Court (Western Division). Herb worked very closely with and served on the board of the Midland Council for Alcoholism; and as Director and first Chairman of the Board of The Springboard Center. The way he lived his life with compassion and caring will be his strongest legacy.In March 2009 the Exchange Club of Midland honored Herb by entering his name in its Book of Golden Deeds an honor that he dearly cherished.Herb was preceded in death by his father Herbert V. Wales, Sr., his mother Margaret Cross Wales and his sister Omega "Patsy" Beals.Herb is survived by his wife of 33 years Maryellen S. Wales, of Midland, TX; children Eric, Grayson, Darren, Melinda, Mark, David, Matthew and Andrew, four wonderful daughters in law Renee, Kathy, Anissa and Tonya. one nephew Robert and 12 grandchildren.The family wishes to thank Hospice Midland for their loving kind ministry to Herb and the entire family during the past few months especially Richard, Marguerite and Donna and the nursing staff at the Hospice Midland hospital unit at Midland Memorial Hospital.The family requests a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers to the following non-profit organizations that were near and dear to Herb's heart:Springboard Center Hospital200 Corporate Dr.Midland, TX 79710Christ Church Midland – Building Fund5501 N. MidkiffMidland, TX 79705Hospice Midland911 W. TexasMidland, TX 79701Any friend of Bill W. can make a memorial contribution to AA World Services P. O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Friday, March 19, 2010 at the funeral home. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Christ Church Midland.Pallbearers will be George A. Anderson III, Timothy R. Bryson, Robert J. Cowan, Joe Don Hancock, Alan Meyers, James Sparr, Robert A. Rau and Edward C. Wallace. Honorary pallbearers will be David Grayson, Arden Grover, John Hyde, Brian Scury, J.K. "Rusty" Wall and Carl P. Wallace.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,

Wild Horse Foundation

Saturday 3/20, 1:30 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Friday 3/19, 5:45 am

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Mary Ellen, My life has been greatly influenced by the lives of you and Herb. I am so saddened at your loss. I learned about it through the lovely obituary in our Dallas Morning News. Our loss is Heaven's gain and that of so many beloved folks who welcomed him. I know my Bob loved you both so much and is giving Herb a big hug! God bless you and your family, Mary Ellen, and may He hold you close to comfort you. Beverly Holmes

Mary Ellen, Russell and I send our deepest sympathy on your loss. We miss you as neighbors. Sarah Neisig

MaryEllen, I was heartbroke to hear of Herb's passing when returning from Colorado this weekend. I hate that I was not in town for the services and to give you and your family my condolences. ( big hugs) What an amazing man he was and such a beautiful article they wrote about his life in the MRT. I am sure knowing his never ending faith in God that he is smiling down upon you from Heaven at this very moment! Love you, Lyneia

Maryellen, I was so sorry to hear of Herb's death. Herb was a wonderful example of an elder statesman. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Lesli Barber Fitzpatrick

Dear Maryellen: I am very sad to hear of your loss! I loved your friendship, and wise motherly counsel at MAB. And always admired your beautiful loving relationship with Herb. You truly did compliment each other. I wish I could be there to give you, and your wonderful family a big hug. Know that he was a great man in this world and earned many stars for his Crown! May you all have God's peace that passes all understanding-you will all be in my prayers. Love and Hugs -Sharon

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We served together and shared a love of service work. Herb was always the "bright spot" in a room full of people. We looked forward to his sharing and the smile that went with it. We will indeed miss him. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Herb was more than a valued friend to me . He was an encourager, an advisor and a powerful role model for my faith and for my thoughts. All who knew him were fortunate and blessed. Heaven now holds his kind and gentle soul. John Hyde

Herb touched our lives profoundly. We would meet him for lunch at the Cattle Baron when we were in town. His smile lit up the room and warmed our hearts.We will miss him very much. Mary-ellen, thank you for your great hugs, our prayers are with you now.

SWEET MARYELLEN, HOW SADDENED I AM TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DARLING "HERBIE". I REMEMBER HIM AS A SWEET HEART OF A MAN WHO WOULD COME UP TO THE 2ND FLOOR OF MAB AND VISIT US. ALWAYS WITH HUGS FOR ME, AND ALWAYS KIND WORDS TO HIS WONDERFUL WIFE. DONT THINK ABOUT THE LOSS YOU ARE SUFFERING, THINK ABOUT THE GIFT GOD GAVE YOU BY BRINGING HIM INTO YOUR LIFE AND THE PRECIOUS TIME YOU HAD WITH HIM. THE TWO OF YOU COMPLIMENTED ONE ANOTHER SO WELL. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT NEW HIM. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. WITH ALL MY LOVE!

Herb was, as everyone knows, a great man who was a true treasure.A light went out when he died but heaven was enriched. I will always remember the kindness he showed in all of our dealings. I cannot attend the service as i will be in austin but i simply wanted the family to know of my greast admiration and affection for herb. he will be greatly missed. I told my wife that i wish i could do as many good things for people in my life as herb did in a week

Herb was a good person and will be missed by all...good bye my friend ,i will always remember you.......Bill Murray

No words can truly express the gratitude we feel for the unselfish love and service Herb extended to all who showed a desire to improve their lot in life. He taught us all how to stay in the moment, eliminate selfishness, trust God and help others. Herb will truly be missed but his legacy will continue through those he mentored.

I can hear (like Elvis is in the building) Saint Peter announce: "Herb Wales has entered the gates". My mother Sweet Millie thought the world of Herb as do we and anyone who knew him. Herb was the shinning star that shows a lot of people how to achieve success in living. I always admired the fact that he could take lofty concepts and boil them down to a simple statement or two. Keep it simple - they will know what you are saying. Yet he could spar with the greatest of eloquence with anyone. Herb has always been and will always be one of my heroes. One of the most powerful talks I ever had the privilege of hearing was one Herb gave when he received the Exchange Clubs Golden Deeds award. In it he shared how he was lead to a God of his understanding, Jesus Christ, who gave him his truth, and his way of life. Herb we will miss you. We love you Maryellen and our thoughts and prayers are with you and the families. Marc and Vickie

Maryellen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have appreciated all the words of wisdom through the years on our journey with Richard. He was a fine man and will be missed by all. Our best to you, Susie and Dick Reid

Maryellen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Herb was loved by so many and a hero to us all! His legacy will live on and his reward in heaven will be gracious!

MaryEllen, I am very sorry for your loss. Herb was such a kind, gentle and loving man. What I remember most about him was the twinkle in his eyes whenever he would smile. My love and prayers are with you today. Love, Erin

Herb was one swell person that you could never forget knowing.I never saw the man with out a smile and compliments and always ready to help one in need. He helped me if ever I needed some research material or the actual garment for a production at MCT.I knew he and Maryellen some 30 years from soccer games with Jeremy and their son.He will be missed.Mae

Maryellen and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss!! I know that you had many wonderful years together and I know you have cherished memories to bring you comfort. Love you lots Maryellen!!

I have wonderful memories of Herb and the whole family. I'm am grateful for the love your family extended to ours.

Praise God! He has found the ultimate peace now...with his Lord! I thank God for outstanding, caring and compassionate people like Herb and Mary Ellen! The wisdom Herb shared every time he spoke will be written in my mind and heart forever! Thank you God for his life and testimony!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

What an honor to have known such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely, Danny and Vicki Brown

Maryellen, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God embrace you and your family with His arms wrapped around you and His love in abundance!

I worked for the Alpha and Omega Secretarial Service and we did Herb's secretarial work. He was one of my favorite clients and I really enjoyed knowing him and working for him. I saw him at the cancer center just a few weeks ago. Maryellen, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. God be with you at this time of loss.

We are so honored to have known Herb. He was a true friend. We spent hours together driving from service meetings in San Angelo, Lubbock and Amarillo. He, probably more than anyone, helped me (Mark) fall in love with service work. He was unselfish and loving for those who were in need. We will miss him a lot. We love you Maryellen and our very best to you and your family.

Maryellen, Herb's legacy of service lives on with the many that he has shared experience, strength and hope with so that they too could follow his path. I will miss his keen insights and wonderful laugh, I pray that the blessing he has been to so many will be multiplied back to you and your family for years to come. He certainly touched my life. In Love & His Service, Conley

Its been 25 years since I left Midland,often I thought of those people who I knew back at the 710 club,Herb was always the first to come to mind.He treated me with dignity,when I had none,with respect when I wasn`t respectable,and kindness, when I was unable to be kind.These traits are not easy to come by even today. God bless you Herb.

Wonderful guy...God will like Herb

Mary-Ellen, My thoughts and prayers have been with you constantly! Like another of Herb's friends said, until that reunion in the sky when we will all be together - All our babies, too. Herb had that almost forgotten quality of thoughtfulness...so do you! With special love, "Sister"

Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that you will find comfort knowing that Herb is in a better place. It was always a pleasure seeing Herb at Cattle Baron and getting to hear him tell stories on the couch. He will be greatly missed but will always be with you.

Herb was a true friend to all. He loved people and touched the lives of so many. He fought the good fight. May you, Maryellen and his family, have God's peace and comfort, knowing that Herb is home with his Lord.

David, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Maryellen and family, We were so saddened to learn of Herb's passing. Not only has he been a wonderful friend, but he will always be remembered by us as a man of great integrity and honor who loved his family above all else. He had tremendous faith which carried him through difficult times and he bore those times with courage and remarkable strength, never complaining to his friends. If Carl could express his feelings, he would truly be devastated by this news, and at least his disease has spared him this pain. We wish all of you peace and comfort at this great loss for a man like Herb leaves a void unable to be filled in this life by anyone. God bless and keep you all. Diane and Patrick Wallace

One of my heros has left this earth. Until I see you in the meeting in the sky, I will dearly miss you, my friend.

God speed, old friend. It has been a pleasure and a privilige to know you. You will be missed by all who have been blessed by your kindness and understanding.

I have been honored to be friends with Herb & Maryellen for the past nearly 30 years. The world is a better place for Herb having been here. His was a magnificant life, full of adventure & service to others. God is good.

Maryellen, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Herb was a great man. He was a wonderful speaker, a compassionate and humble man, and he and Maryellen were a wonderful example of marriage to me and my husband. I will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his great smile.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.