Quinton R Herrin Sr., 95, of Inverness, passed away December 5th, 2017. Mr. Herrin was the son of the late Paul “Pete” and Sarah “Cleo” Herring of Cullman, AL. and was also preceded in death by his only sibling, brother Carl. W. Herring.
He is survived by his bride of over 72 years, Irene (Pelletier) Herrin, originally of Nashua, NH, children Quinton Jr. and Marlene (Moran) of Inverness, Curtis of Merritt Island, Douglas of Orlando and Richard of Cocoa Beach/Miami, FL, in addition to 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered many, many years from now for his wisdom, quick witted humor and love of family and friends.
Mr. Herrin was a Combat Medic in the 1st Division/18th Infantry throughout WWII and was in the second wave at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, as well as many other notable campaigns and invasions. He was awarded the French Legion of Merit, Silver Star for valor with an additional cluster, Bronze Star for valor with 4 additional clusters, the Purple Heart and numerous combat and non-combat decorations. Mr. Herrin retired from the US Air Force in 1966. While in the Air Force, Master Sergeant Herrin was part of the medical team involved in the Mercury “7” Space program (which was America’s first-man-in-space team), working directly with the original seven Astronauts: Alan Shepard, “Gus” Grissom, John Glenn, “Deke” Slayton, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Scott Carpenter. Mr. Herrin later retired from Sanders Associates in Nashua, NH.
Quinton was an avid bass fisherman having caught many “lunkers” and had also enjoyed hunting.
A celebration of life, with military honors, will be at the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade St., Inverness on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to: Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast or Wounded Warrior Project.
Mr. Herrin will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
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