Michael Wayne Herring of Midland, Texas passed away June 20, 2017.Mike was born January 18, 1946 in Beaumont, Texas to Marvin and Hazel Herring. He was anhonest man of great integrity, who deeply valued his family and friends.Mike received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University.In 1972 he began a thirty-year career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, where he wasselected to serve as the first State Park System Planner. During his career he was instrumental inthe evaluation and acquisition of new state parks across Texas. Earlier this year, a trail at ChinatiMountains State Natural Area was named “The Mike Herring Trail”, ensuring that his long-termcontribution to the State Park System will continue to be honored.After retirement from Texas Parks and Wildlife in 2000, Mike was excited to begin a new chapter inhis life, living and working on the family ranch in Nolan County. With his hard work and dedication,he made a positive and long lasting impact on the ranch. Mike treasured spending summers at thecabin on Tonso Peak in Custer County, Colorado, and loved to share the beauty of the mountainswith family and friends.An avid outdoorsman, Mike hiked, biked, ran, and backpacked untold miles over the years.Memories of motorcycle trips taken with his sons and grandson were very special to Mike, as werethe memories of backpacking trips through the years with good friends, and family fun at the ranch.He was a proud hunter, wildlife enthusiast, and true naturalist. An avid gun and knife collector, Mikedelighted at giving knives as gifts for special occasions.Survivors include his wife of twenty years, Lisa Fitzgerald of Midland; his sons and their wives, Markand Jill Herring of Round Rock, Texas, and Matthew and Cindy Herring of Austin, Texas; his fourgrandchildren, Ellie, Abby, Mason and Laney Herring; as well as stepdaughter Jill Hanna of Lincoln,Nebraska; sister, Elaine Herring of Willis, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Mike Novello ofWayland, New York; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Sunnye Dinger, and Jim andSuzanne Bobo, of Odessa, Texas. He is also survived by his beloved Cardigan Welch Corgi, Wally.The family suggests memorials be directed to the Western Heritage Classic, 1700 State Highway 36,Abilene, Texas 79602, or Hospice of Midland, 911 West Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory ofMidland. No services are planned. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
