Jack Herrington Sr. parked his big blue truck for the final time on February 13, 2026, after many travels to the Texas State Fair, the zoo, and road trips long enough to tell his grandchildren one of his legendary stories. Often involving the "deep, dark forest," these tales were delivered with a straight face but always with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Born in Houston to Hubert and Eloise Herrington, Jack was the middle child of three brothers. He spent his childhood as a Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, playing all sports—particularly golf and football—and nurturing a deep love of model airplanes.

He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1964, just months after meeting the love of his life, Toni Beeson Herrington. Jack played football all four years at East Texas State University and was an All-American Lineman. He graduated in 1970 with an English degree and earned his Master of Education degree in 1972. Jack and Toni married prior to college, and together they built a life of true public service: "at the schoolhouse," "down at the library," "over at the church," and centered around their three children: Jeff, Jack Jr., and Jennifer.

As an educator, Jack never shied away from a tough crowd. Whether on the field as a football coach, in the classroom as an English teacher, or working with youth through the Texas Youth Commission (TJJD), he dedicated over 25 years to the Windham School District, doing all he could to help those he served. Although Jack joked that he liked an audience that "couldn't leave," he was dedicated to his students, believing that "every man is the same." He was proud to have been part of the educational team that ran an intramural sports program within the school district for over ten years, which included "away games" to other nearby prisons.

Jack leaves behind his wife, Toni; their children, Jeff, Jack, and Jennifer; and their loving families. He also leaves behind a host of friends from all walks of life who will miss him dearly.

Instead of a formal funeral, Jack would have preferred for us to honor his memory by loading a child into the truck, hitting the open road, and telling them an absolutely outrageous tale.

Pa-Paw loves her too!        Big, Big, Big!      Pa-Paw, tell me another story.