John G. Herrera

John G. Herrera,
74, of La Junta passed away peacefully in his sleep at the family home. John
was born April 22, 1941 to Basilio and
Natividad Herrera in North Vita, CO near Walsenburg on the family farm, where
he lived until he was 5 years old. They then moved to Walsenburg where he
attended St. Mary's High School until he graduated.
    John first worked
for Rufini's Market and Star Market. He then went to work at Safeway in their
meat department. He then moved to Pueblo, CO
and worked at the midtown Safeway for several years. John was then offered a
market in Lamar, CO
as manager and he and his family moved there for 9 1/2 years. He was then
offered the market in La Junta, CO where he worked for 31 years. During that
time he and his business partner and good friend, Johnny Lucas, bought and
renovated an old building on 2nd Street
in La Junta which became the Bogie Farm Golf and Repair Shop. John had the shop
for 10 years. He had many great experiences there, met many people and had
great success.
    John was an avid
golfer and won several tournaments including the "Home of Hero's" tournament
in Pueblo in 2013. When he retired,
he went to work at the pro-shop at the Rocky Ford Golf Course for several years.
He then went to work for the La Junta golf shop. John built clubs while there
and did repair work. He loved inventing gadgets for golf and made his own clubs
with bent shafts. He also made a special tee with a weight that didn't fly away
and would use the same tee for weeks. He retired from the pro-shop on December 31, 2015.
    His Love of golf
and gentle manner made him a favorite coach for kids and teens. He took great pride
in giving lessons and when they called him "coach". He was very
patient. He always gave his fellow golfers tips he had learned over the years.
If someone needed help, he gave it and always with a smile and enjoyed it so
much. He made three hole in one's in his lifetime. The one in Rocky Ford was
one for the books. There were several birds in front of the hole, he had to hit
over them. The ball hit one bird on the head, knocking it out and then rolled
into the cup. Everyone starred in disbelief and someone said, "John, you
got a birdie and an eagle at the same time." The story appeared in a golf
magazine for most unusual hole in one's.
    John is survived
by his wife, Sandra Morrison-Herrera of the La Junta home; sons, John F.
Herrera of Dunsmuir, CA and Christopher Herrera of La Junta; brother, Ray Herrera
and sisters, Viola Pacheco, Mary Mercy Worer, and Sylvia Brown; grandchildren,
Gabriel T. Maclean and Crystal Oxley and survived by numerous nieces, nephews
and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Antonio
Herrera O.F.M. and Gilbert Herrera.
    The days following
his death have been so comforting to the family with the outpouring of love and
affection for John. He was well respected and will be remembered for his ever
present smile. He will be greatly missed by friends and family.
    Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of
arrangements.


A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, February
5, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m
at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish.