Paul Alan Herman

Paul Alan Herman, a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather went to be with our Lord on June 25, 2016. He was born on November 30, 1938 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to Louis and Ruth Herman, who preceded him in death. He moved with his parents to Southern California at the age of 13 where he later met and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Ann Ochoa, who preceded him in death in 1986. Paul served honorably in the US Army. He was sent to Fort Hood, Texas after basic training and was commended by the Commanding Major General and many other high ranking US Army Officers for being one of only two persons out of 52,000 trainees to ever make a perfect score on the Basic Combat Proficiency Test. He was a member of the Fort Hood Advanced Marksmanship Unit and the 1st Armored Division Rifle Team. When Paul returned to California after his distinguished and decorated service, he began a career with the American Bakery Company in Los Angeles. He was very involved in his community and took leadership roles in many areas, including public education which led to his election to the Rowland Unified School District Board as President in 1969. He was the President of the Rod and Gun Club and a delegate to the California Wildlife Federation and became a leader with Linda for the Methodist Youth Fellowship at Glendora United Methodist Church. In 1975, Paul and Linda moved their family to Tyler, Texas to serve the community with a family owned Christian Bookstore. They were active members of Marvin United Methodist Church. The first store they opened was The Glory Be. Later Paul incorporated The Glory Be with Better Books and Gifts, owned by Dr. Tom Lyles and Darrell Brown, and the three founded Better Books Christian Center, which the Herman family ran. Better Books Christian Center became one of the largest independent Christian Bookstores in the country and was recognized by the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) as Store of the Year in 1985. Additionally, Paul was elected to serve on the board of CBA in Colorado Springs, Colorado and was later elected Chairman of the Board. In 1987, Paul married Kathy Ruether of Colorado Springs. They shared a passion for the Christian bookstore industry, travel, birding and fishing at Lake Palestine as well as deep sea fishing all over the world. Catching a 500lb Black Marlin featured on the cover of Marlin magazine was a highlight of his life-long passion. Additionally, Paul was Kathy’s biggest fan and Manager when she embarked on a successful career in writing. Together, they were long-time members of Bethel Bible Church in Tyler. Better Books Christian Center served East Texas for two decades and in 1998, LifeWay Christian Stores purchased the store where Paul stayed on as Manager. He was recognized with numerous awards and under his tutelage, the Tyler LifeWay store was consistently a top 10 performing store in the nationwide chain. Prior to his retirement in 2010, the Lifeway Corporation awarded him the Career of Excellence Award. In total, Paul Herman served the people and churches of East Texas with Christian products for more than three decades. He touched countless lives. Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Herman, daughter and son-in-law, Paula Herman Smith and Brad Smith, son and daughter-in-law, Glenn Herman and Kim Herman, step-daughter and husband, Jody Ruether and Mark Johnson; five grandchildren Nathan Smith, Ben Smith, Claire Frances Smith, Selah Johnson and Lauren Herman. His cherished family will miss him more than words can convey. A memorial service celebrating Paul Herman’s life will be held Tuesday, June 28, at 2:00 p.m. at the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Ken McEachern officiating, family will receive friends following the memorial service at 7525 old Jacksonville Hwy Tyler, Tx. 75703. A private graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. If desired, memorials may be made to Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org) or Compassion International (www.compassion.com).

Paul Alan Herman

November 30, 1938 - June 25, 2016