John D Herwig , May 03, 1924 — May 29, 2018

Graveside services for John D. Herwig, 94, of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Whitehouse Cemetery with Bro. Jackson Colwell officiating. John D. Herwig was born to Mollie Maud (Henslee) and Willie B. Herwig in Cypress Mills, Texas, on February 3, 1924.

Johnny, AKA: “The Mayor” to many in the Hanks Creek area, was in the Army-Air Force during World War II. He was the plane engineer and top turret gunner the day his plane, “Why Worry” was shot down over Germany. Johnny was a POW for fifty weeks and suffered much during this time period.

The last three months as a POW, he was moved constantly and covered nearly 700 miles on foot. Johnny was twenty-one years old when he was liberated. When asked recently about serving in the military he said, “It was a good experience (despite being a POW) and everyone should serve”.

Johnny was an expert mechanic and truly a “Jack-of-all-trades”…. following in his dad’s footsteps. He was generous to those in need.

Johnny loved to fish and spent many hours doing so with Ray, Coy, and many others, before and after retiring to Angelina County. Because of men like John D. Herwig, who proudly served their country we are privileged to live in the United States of America; land of the free and home of the brave. Johnny wanted people to understand that the people who served on the home front, (whether military or civilians) were crucial to the outcome of the war.

It took the united effort of all to secure victory! Johnny was a 32nd degree Mason and also, a Shriner who helped many who were in need. He is survived by a step-son, Monty; brother-in-law, Jimmy and wife, Shelly nieces, Trisha Ann and husband, John, Dorinda, and Nancy Jo and husband, Roy; nephews, Jim and wife, Claire and Ron; along with many other relatives and friends.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; along with two brothers, and one sister. Special thanks to Hospice in the Pines, Dr. Kyle Krohn, and to friends and neighbors: Cathy, Colten, Lucy, Brenda, Frank, Sabria and Jerry, who helped him and his nieces so much, as his health began to fail. Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin Directors.

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