Howard “Big H” Roy Herzer, 1936-2019

Funeral Service for Howard “Big H” Roy Herzer, 82, of Liberty will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at Allison Funeral Service. A time of visitation and fellowship was held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 15. Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery immediately following the service. 

Mr. Herzer passed from this life and joined his heavenly father on Friday, July 12. Howard was born on Sept. 29, 1936, in Thrall, Texas, to William and Selma Herzer. 

Howard’s story began in the central Texas town of Thrall where he grew up on a cotton farm exploring the dense forests filled with rich wildlife inundating the world around him. It was at this time in his life he developed a love for the exploration of the curiosities that hid within the complexities of his life. During his attendance at Texas Lutheran University, Mr. Herzer found an everlasting love and passion and headed to the oil patch. He has lived in the Liberty area for over 50 years. He owned and operated his own well workover service company for many years. After attending one year of Texas Lutheran University, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He spent time stationed in Korea, Oakland, California, and San Antonio as a personnel specialist. He was and continues to be a massive inspiration to those who knew him. It was his upbringing in a small German community that his Lutheran roots laid the foundation for his unwavering faith. Nearly every day he read from and prayed with his Lutheran prayer book. Even though Mr. Herzer didn’t have any grandiose diplomas or lengthy amount of education, he was a very smart man. Howard was always trying to figure out how things worked. He was a diligent note-taker and was profound in his ability to take an unfortunate situation and create a positive view from the enlightenment that would relieve the pressure of those that would listen. He was an incredibly hard-working man that did whatever it took to provide for his beloved family. Howard had a great sense of humor and always had the room full of laughter. Mr. Herzer was always a force to be reckoned with at the dominoes table. Mr. Herzer’s BBQ was something he will always be remembered for. He loved the outdoors. No matter if it was raccoon, deer or bird hunting he just enjoyed being out there especially with friends and family along. He had a great love for his animals and especially his hunting dogs. One dog, in particular, Buddy, who was his sidekick for many years. They even retired from hunting together. 

Howard had never met a stranger. Once you were a friend, you were one for life. Howard was always caring for those around him who were in need. He never judged a book by its cover and always loved you for who you really were. At the heart of it, Howard was a family man. He was very involved in all the activities that his children and grandchildren participated in. He was always there expressing encouragement and lending wisdom. There is no greater pride in life than that of a loving father and grandfather. It was without a doubt that his greatest treasure in life was his family. Mr. Herzer was a kind and gentle soul that will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. 

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Herzer; and a sister, Katherine Cemerek. 

Those who are left to honor and cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Herzer; brothers, Willie Herzer and wife Janet, Allen Herzer and wife Judy; sons, Curtis Herzer and Gary Davis; daughters, Mary Kay Hicks, Karrie Seay and husband, Harold; and grandchildren, Emzey and wife, Jamie, Louis, Tyler, Brittney and husband, Kenneth, Autumn, Jade, Stormie, Kelsey, Shelby, Jake, Allen, Sarah and husband Curtis, and Michael; as well as many great-grandchildren; and also numerous other dear family and friends.