Gary Herbert

April 10, 1947-January 23, 2026

Gary Herbert, 78 of Waco, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy battle with cancer and Parkinson’s. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 21, at The Bosque, 7238 Cedar Rock Pkwy, Crawford, Texas from 3-6 pm.

Gary was born April 10, 1947 in Waco to George and Margie Herbert. He graduated from Waco High School in 1965 and from Baylor University in 1970. He went on to receive his Masters in Education from Prairie View A&M. His goal was to find a position in marketing until his friend and mentor, Clayton Oliver, offered him a coaching position at Bruceville-Eddy ISD. His 44 year career in Education began. He coached football for 12 years and took positions as Principal at Pflugerville and Conally ISDs , Superintendent at Burton ISD and returning to Bruceville-Eddy ISD to finish his career in 2014.

He married Peggy Marshall in November of 1977, and they enjoyed 48 years together. He became a father to her son, Jerry and had two sons from a previous marriage, Taylor and Austin. He was a dear and wonderful husband, father, Pawpaw and great grandfather. He was a loyal friend and never met a stranger. He was very generous and wanted to take care of everyone.

He never missed a deer hunt. He taught his sons and grandsons hunting, fishing and golf. All sports were his hobby. He played, coached and watched as much as he could. He loved to have a good time.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margie Herbert and his brother, "Big Bubba".

Survivors include his beloved wife, Peggy; sons, Taylor Herbert (Daniela Forbes), Jerry Herbert, and Austin Herbert (Sarah Kelinske); grandsons, Tyler Herbert (Savannah), Hunter Herbert, Kaden Herbert (Grace Davis), Jacob Herbert, and Saylor Herbert; granddaughter, Charlotte Herbert; sister, Judy Brister (Bob); sister-in-law, Sandra Wood (Randy); nieces, Janice Stanley, Georgia Brister, Ramey Munsey (Scott), Sarina Moore (Daniel), Candice Kienitz, and Jennifer Marshall-Higgins (Chris); nephews, Kevin Brister (Anna), Robert Welch (Shelley), and Joseph Wood; great nieces, Jackie Stanley, Kamryn and Katelynn Brister, and Brooke and Breanna Welch; great nephew, Landon Stanley; great grandson, Zander Herbert; great granddaughter, Adalyn Herbert; and great-great nieces, Sydney Stanley and Scarlett Godinez.

Always posted above a locker room door was a sign “Come back a winner” which he took to heart in his struggles with his health. His final big win is his place in Heaven.

“See you in the funny papers”