Herman Hallmark

Herman Lester Hallmark, long-time and well-known Ballinger resident and Bearcat fan, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at his home at the age of 89.

He was born January 24, 1923 in McCullough County, Texas to Isaac Newton and Minnie (Piel) Hallmark. Herman married Margaret Wood on October 3, 1941 in Abilene. The couple lived in Arizona from 1947 to 1949 before making their permanent home in Ballinger. They were members of Seventh Street Baptist Church. They both took great interest, pride, and joy in their family and their accomplishments and activities. Margaret and Herman probably hold the record as the most faithful, loyal Bearcat fans in the history of Ballinger Schools.

Herman proudly and honorably served in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS White Plains. In the late 40’s time frame, he lived and logged in the Safford Mountains in Arizona. He farmed nearly all his life in Runnels County, diligent and dedicated to the hard work that farming involves. He was a member of the American Legion, a Century Club member of West Texas Rehab Center, was named Rural Citizen of the Year in 1988, and was a deacon at Seventh Street Baptist Church. He was an avid domino and joker player with grandchildren or anyone who would play. He was highly respected and appreciated by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Margaret, of 68 years in 2010; sisters, Thelma Hallmark and Mildred Hallmark; sisters and brothers-in-law, Claudeen and Bracey Feeler, Mae and Ralph Koenig, Novalene and Dudley Atwood, and Gladys and Curtis Patton; sister-in-law, Dorothy Hallmark; and brother-in-law, Eugene Baker; one son, Calvin Hallmark; one granddaughter, Kimberly Hallmark; one great-granddaughter, Jenna Mansell; and two baby sisters, Willie Lou Hallmark; and Alice Elizabeth Hallmark.

Herman is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Gunyon and husband O. C. of Mexia, and Sharon Nixon and husband Steve of Ballinger; two sons, Alvin Hallmark and wife Betty of Ballinger, and Jerry Hallmark and wife Patti of Abilene; brothers, Clarence Hallmark and wife Margie, and Daniel Hallmark and wife Nancy, all of Ballinger; sisters, Wilma Baker of Ballinger, and Billie Holland and husband Raymond of San Angelo.

Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, Angie Halfmann and husband Mark of Ballinger, Dana Jackson and husband Brad of Austin, Brian Hallmark of Ballinger, Jeff Hallmark and wife Susan of Abilene, Jason Hallmark and wife Missy of Midland, Jennifer Hallmark of Rotan, Jaime McNab and husband Brandon of Little Rock, Arkansas, Beau Dempsey and wife Holly of Heath, Paige Dempsey and wife, Janell, of Abilene, Sherry Mansell and husband Jeff of Buda, Charla Valenzuela and husband Brian of Denton, Wendy Autrey and husband Mark of Cortez, Colorado, Clay Gunyon and Calista of Lolita, Rebecca Likes and husband Jesse of Ballinger, Brandi Carlisle and husband Bryan of Del Rio, Lance Nixon and wife Amy of Sweetwater, and Tanner Nixon of Ballinger.

Herman also leaves behind 30 great-grandchildren, Brooke, Jill, and Justin Halfmann; Robin and Nicole Jackson; Josh and Justin Hallmark; Jaxon and Jeremy Hallmark; Dakota, Presley, and Myles McNab; Logan Dempsey; Breann and Sidney Mansell; Landrie, Cannon, and Laken Valenzuela; Sierra, Britlyn, and Dillon Autrey; Brittney and Hannah Gunyon; Crystal and Ashley Likes; Keira, Sage, and Reese Carlisle; Katy, Hannah, and Hallie Nixon. There are numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews who also survive, as well as extended family and friends. He will be especially missed by special household pet and companion, “Pee-Wee.”

Special thanks are extended to Dr. Martinez and Odyssey Hospice of San Angelo, caregiver, Joelda Cuellar, and very, very special thanks to nurse, Stephanie Moore from Sweetwater and aide, Helen.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, June 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held at Seventh Street Baptist Church on Saturday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. David Dunn, Bro. Bobby Broyles, Max Pratt, and Clifton Phillips officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Old Runnels Cemetery near Ballinger.

Memorials may be made to Seventh Street Baptist Church, P. O. Box 663, Ballinger, Texas 76821 or to a favorite charity.