February 16, 1925 - September 27, 2011 86, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Joe was born on February 16, 1925 in Dulce, New Mexico to Frances and Manuel Herrera. In 1944, Joe enlisted in the Navy and trained in Farragut, Idaho. As Seaman First Class, Joe served in World War II aboard the USS South Dakota BB-57, which happened to be the most decorated battleship of World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the Philippines Liberation Medal. Joe was honorably discharged in 1946. He grew up in Lingle, Wyoming where he met Hazel Irene Hatch and later married her on April 4, 1947. He worked as an X-Ray Technician until he retired. Joe is preceded in death by both parents, his loving wife Hazel Herrera, his daughter Jody Irene Fernandez, 9 sisters and 7 brothers. Joe will forever be remembered by his brother, Eugene Herrera, his two sons, Richard Dean Herrera and Joe Daniel Herrers, Jr., 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. Services for Joe will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10 A.M. at the Church of the Ascension, 14050 Maxwell Place, Denver, CO 80239 with burial services to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to the Malesich and Shirey Funeral Home at 5701 Independence Street, Arvada, CO 80002. Friends and family are invited to attend a reception dinner at the church immediately following interment.
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