Robert Myron "Bobby" Herrick Jr.

HERRICK, Robert "Bobby" Myron, Jr., 70 of Seffner. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was called to our Lord on Thursday night, January 30, 2003 after a short, but courageous, battle withpancreatic cancer. He passed at home in the presence of his family. He is preceded to heaven by his parents, Robert M. Herrick, Sr. and Ann Waggaman Herrick; and a sister, Joann. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of fifty years, Hermi Lopez Herrick; his daughters, Debra Herrick Haggerty and husband, Charles, Redington Beach, Fla., Donna F. Mewhirter and husband, Jack, Indian Shores, Fla., andDarlene M. Herrick, Tampa; sons, David A. Herrick, Seffner, Fla., Robert M. Herrick, III, Orlando, Fla., and Douglas P. Herrick and wife, Debra, Seffner, Fla.; grandchildren, Jack Michael Mewhirter and Douglas P. Herrick, Jr.; brother, John W. Herrick and wife, Sally, Tampa. A Tampa native, Mr. Herrick was a graduate of Jesuit High School, Class of 1950. An all-city, all-state basketball player, his 1950 Jesuit team won State Class A (highest rank then) under the direction of Coach Paul Straub. This was the first time any Catholic school won a state title. He attended Loyola Universityin New Orleans on a full basketball scholarship, but graduated from the University of Tampa. Mr. Herrick retired from American Oil Company (Amoco) after 44 years and was active in Tampa politics in the 1960's and served on city review boards. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, training his own setters, and knitting cast nets. Golf became his interest in later years. By far, his passion and lovewas the raising and racing of homing pigeons. A lifelong devotee to this sport, he served on numerous boards and committees within the state. He also belonged to several clubs, the most recent being the Highlands Racing Club. He was considered by his peers as most knowledgeable at this sport and had hundreds of trophies and ribbons, as well as various Tampa Tribune articles to hiscredit. A celebration of his life and homecoming will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4450 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33583. As founding members of St. Francis, the family requests donations be made to the St. Francis Building Fund or to Lifepath Hospice in lieu of flowers. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nursing staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. Especially Dr. Aida Castro, MD and Dr. Dennis A. Alfonso, MD. May God raise him up on eagles wings. He was loved dearly and will be forever missed by the many lives he touched. Adams& Jennings Funeral Home "The Family Funeral Home" (813) 237-3345