David Earl Herrington

David Earl Herrington, 72, of Katy, was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven with wide open and loving arms on May 6, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children, and cherished cousin.

David was born July 28, 1951, to Earl and Ruth Herrington in Harlingen, Texas. He graduated from Edinburg High School in 1969, participating in many electives, sports, and academic clubs. David continued his education at Baker College, University of Colorado, and Abilene Christian University, with special interests in political science, history, economics, and mathematics. 

His career in education began in 1973 as director of Instructional Services at Lebe Hoch Heim Adolescent Learning Center in Fredericksburg, Texas. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Sul Ross State University in 1977 while teaching middle school and serving as the chair of Social Studies for Kerrville ISD. 

David married Linda Hiller in 1977 and welcomed her daughter, Lisa, into his heart as his own. Together, they had two children, Megan and Chase. They moved to Brenham in 1983, where David was employed at Blinn College from 1983 to 1994 as a professor of history, sociology, and psychology. While teaching and devoting time to his children, David also completed his Doctorate in Philosophy from Texas A&M University in 1993.

He also dedicated time to the community in the Optimist Club, coaching youth basketball. The youth he worked with loved him and continued to greet him as "Coach" whenever they saw him. He was a member of the Brenham Lions Club, Washington County Youth Board, and participated in a barbershop quartet with fellow Blinn College professors. He was actively involved with both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts alongside his children. 

David took his family on many camping trips and vacations, stopping at every historical marker sight along the way. He never missed an opportunity to teach or make a memory with anyone.

His career path took him to Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas, in 1994, where he took on the role of assistant professor of Education Leadership. From 2000 to 2009, he was an associate professor and director of Principal’s Academy on the Doctoral Faculty at Prairie View A&M. In 2006, David married Kathleen Kidd Proctor in San Antonio, where he was full professor and director of Leadership studies at Texas A&M San Antonio from 2009 to 2015.

David and Kathleen later moved to La Porte, where he worked at Houston Christian University on the doctoral staff as a full professor of Executive Leadership. He made his final home in Katy, where he took on positions as an instructor of history and economics and case manager at the Opportunity Awareness Center. His final place of employment after 50 years as an educator was at Sealy Junior High School as a special education co-teacher. His colleagues loved him and had fond memories of their short time with him. While not teaching, David enjoyed keeping up with friends and family, yoga, gardening, and spending time with his beloved labrador, Max.

David is preceded in death by his precious parents.

Left to cherish his precious memory are his wife Kathleen Herrington; children Megan Herrington and Chase Herrington; grandchildren Jaeley and Ryleigh Herrington, Liam, Logan, Mairi Herrington, and Mia Smith; step-children Clint Proctor, Clayton Proctor, Kristina Proctor; step-grandchildren Henry Smith, Matthew and Marie Proctor; sister and brother-in-law Diane and Bob Green; brothers and sisters-in-law Dennis and Andrea Herrington, Don and Gayla Herrington, Brian and Deborah Herrington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Community Fellowship, 21611 W. Bellfort St. in Richmond, Texas 77406. 

Memorials may be made to the Mountain States Children’s Home in Longmont, Colorado, your local ASPCA, or educational charity of your choice. 

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, located at 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas, 77833. You may contact them at 979-836-3611. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.