John Michael Herrera

John “Mike” Herrera passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2015. Mike was born in Galveston on February 11, 1935 to John J. and Olivia Cisneros Herrera.

Mike was a lifelong political activist, community organizer, and veteran of the U.S. Army. As a dedicated member of LULAC, he was passionate about civil rights, particularly those of Hispanic Americans and immigrants. As a life-long and proud Texas Democrat, he worked on several campaigns over six decades and served as a voting poll administrator during retirement. He was one of the few remaining Americans who would spend hours—or days—watching entire House and Senate hearings on C-SPAN (and enjoyed it!). Mike was also a history junkie, always taking time to educate family and friends on Texas, United States, and world history, including passing on dozens and dozens of books, insisting we read to be lifelong learners. We all learned so much from him.

This past February, Mike was celebrated by family and friends from around the country on the occasion of his 80th birthday. He was presented with a t-shirt that would become his favorite article of clothing. In big, bold letters, the T-shirt read: Team Herrera. This celebration continued in his final months through numerous visits from family and friends, accompanied by vivid stories, strong black coffee, good food, and ample laughter.

Mike continues to be celebrated by a large, loving family that includes his four siblings: Doug, Joyce, Kathy, and Felice, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. He is also loved and missed by his three children: Lisa, Michael, and Susan, and their spouses, children and grandchildren. A crowd of cousins, relatives, and old and new friends also join in celebrating his life.

Our family is endlessly grateful to the compassionate, kind, and nurturing staff at Austin Retirement and Nursing Center for providing impeccable care to Mike in his final months. We are equally grateful to Hospice Austin—particularly Tom Blackburn—for the love, friendship, and grace they shared with Mike and with our family.

Dad, brother, grandpa, great grandpa – please say hi and give hugs to your mom, dad, and to your brother in Heaven. We hope you have already poured them a strong Mexican Martini. We will see you soon.

A gathering of family and friends in celebration of Mike will take place on Saturday, Nov 7th at 1pm at the home of Mike's daughter, Lisa Moravits. 2309 Vernell Way, Round Rock.