David Benton Herring, loving and devoted father, husband, son, and friend passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2023, at the age of 52, in McKinney, Texas.
David was born in Pine Bluff Arkansas to Julian and Barbara Herring. David began playing trombone at a young age, performing in the Lake Hamilton High School where his father was the band director. He continued his musical studies at Henderson State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Trombone Performance, followed by a Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Illinois.
David met his wife, Michelle Kaminski, while they were both working as private music instructors in Plano, Texas and they were married on September 30, 2000. They were blessed with two sons, Graeme and Brennan, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. David’s family was his highest priority, and he was extremely proud of them.
Following in his father’s footsteps, David was a public educator for twenty years, most recently serving as Head Band Director at Shepton High School in Plano, Texas. He was an incredibly special man who took his responsibility of caring for his students very seriously; he sought every day to make sure each student felt like they were part of the band family, each having a unique value. He had a great impact on “his kids” and will be dearly missed by current and past students.
David is survived by his wife, Michelle, of McKinney, Texas; son, Graeme Herring, of McKinney, Texas; son, Brennan Herring. of McKinney, Texas; brother, Robert Herring of Arkansas; brother, John Herring (Jolea) of New Mexico; father, Julian Herring and wife, Gendy of Arkansas; and a host of other loving friends and family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Herring.
A remembrance gathering will be held at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. Music written by David will be played throughout the evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in David’s memory to Shepton High School Band.