Robert Vincent Herrick, Jr.

It is with sorrow and fond remembrance that we announce the passing of 83-year-old Robert Vincent Herrick Junior (“Bob”), a native Nebraskan who also spent many years living in Tennessee. Bob was born on December 7th, 1941, in Stockville, Nebraska, and passed away peacefully on February 16th, 2025, in Murray, Kentucky surrounded by family and friends. His loved ones will try to honor his memory with the same enthusiasm and good humor that Bob brought to this world every day that he was alive. 

Bob was raised as a Nebraska farm boy by loving parents Birdy Bell Herrick (“BB”) and Robert Vincent Herrick Senior (“Vince”). He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1962 and went on to have a successful career in aviation, working as a commercial airline pilot for carriers both large and small over the next four decades of his life. Bob flew all types of aircraft including Lear Jets; a King Air; double-prop mail carrier planes; regional jets; and large commercial airliners like the Airbus A320, spending most of his career based in Memphis, TN. After retiring from a memorable and accomplished flying career in 2001, Bob began his second career as a Program Director for the Federal Aviation Administration where he spent another 15 years before officially retiring for good in 2018 to spend more time on his John Deere tractor and enjoying life with his loving wife, Carliss Ann Herrick (“Annie”, married December 27th, 2011), who survives him in death. 

Bob was known for his midwestern good nature and easy wit; quick to accuse most friends of being ornery or up to no good and always poking fun with a smile and a laugh. He approached his life with gusto and courage, spending time as a bull farmer and a truck driver before setting his sights on aviation, which would become his life’s passion. Bob was a man amongst men, able to build or repair darn-near anything with his own two hands and unwavering in his commitment to a life of principles and integrity. 

Bob was the loving father of two children, Heather Herrick (born 1975) and Jonathan Herrick (born 1979), both of whom survive him in death along with his wife Carliss; stepchildren Lisa & Todd Shroads and Chris & Tonya Garland; and grandchildren Jacob, Maxwell, Journey, Serenity, Charlie, Catherine, Wallace, Wilson, Autumn, Harley, Brilee & Connor. Bob is also survived by his siblings Sara Lee Hawking and Roxie Fauss, former wife Leila Herrick, and many other loving relatives and friends. 

Bob was proceeded in death by his parents and former wife Frances Herrick. We invite everyone who knew Bob to join us in celebrating a life well-lived.