Ronald Eugene Herman

Ronald Eugene Herman, Child of God, entered his heavenly home on November 19, 2014 after a courageous decade-long battle with spinal cord injury.
Ron was born March 9, 1936 to Walter J. and Arlene E. (Koehler)Herman in Norfolk, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: Sister, Delores McTaggart; Brothers, Richard (Judy) and Myron; Daughters, Lynn (Donald) Cripe, Laura (Jay) Budzynski, and Lisa Valenzuela; Grandchildren, Amy, Daniel, and Emily Leyva, John and Hannah Budzynski; Great-grandson, Raymond Leyva; and many nieces and nephews. Ron is also survived by Yvonne Jean (Leitzke) his wife, sweetheart, and tireless, loving, caregiver. They were married June 21, 1958 in El Monte, California.

Among Ron's many accomplishments, his family is especially proud of his service in the USMC during the Korean Conflict.

Ron worked faithfully to support his family and labored for 40 years with the Southern California Gas Company. He became an advocate and speaker for the families of the mentally ill, through California Alliance for the Mentally Ill (CAMI). After retiring, Ron was a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society and Meals on Wheels. He was active in his church until injury left him homebound. He was congregational president at Immanuel 1st Lutheran, West Covina; and member at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Rancho Cucamonga.

A kind, easy-going, and loving man, Ron touched every life he came in contact with. He enjoyed sports, especially Dodger baseball and USC football. As a super-grandpa, he attended nearly every game and practice his grandchildren played. He loved family gatherings, playing poker, and horse races.

Ron loved with a quiet, unassuming, unconditional love. He was strong, resilient, and grateful for every day he had. The lives of those he touched are profoundly altered and inspired.