Marshall Fred Herrera

Marshall F. Herrera, 92, of Marvel Co passed away peacefully on December 9th 2024. He was born January 30, 1932 to Marcelino J and Dorothy T Herrera at the family home near Marvel, the third of six children. Tommy, Tony, Marshall, Levi, Teresa and Pete. 

He attended school thru the 8th grade in the Marvel school system. The family’s main transportation to and from school was either horse back or walking. He worked the ranch with his brothers as soon as he was able to help, while attending school.

Marshall was a man of many talents. His legacy included working on movies in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, as an extra, stunt man, and horse wrangler with his brothers. Even being a double for many different stars, including Aaron Spelling, where he had to cut a telegraph line while standing on the back of a horse in Wild Cat Canyon. The Herrera brothers were also used as extra’s playing Indians on many westerns filmed in this region. He loved meeting the stars and coming home to tell stories to his wife and children. Some of his favorite movies were Ticket to Tomahawk, When the Legends Die, The Lone Spur, The Cowboys, and True Grit just to name a few.

A lifetime of living in La Plata County brought him many career opportunities, ranging from the Oil and Gas industry to stone masonry. As a stone mason he spent most of his career building everything from fire places to schools, stadiums and even prisons. In his later years this took him to places like Santa Fe, Phoenix and across southwestern United States. He worked his later years for G&S Masonry, his work can be seen all around Durango and La Plata County including the “new” High School built in 1976. His son, Jeff, was in the first class that graduated from this school.

Marshall fell in love with Lorraine Bustos and married her in August 1955. They lived in Durango and later moved to Marvel where they built a home and raised 4 children. The family would often take drives on back roads (at least that is what he called them) with Marshall explaining the history of the region.

Marvel being a small tight knit community brought many friends and family together. Marshall and Lorraine would enjoy going to Durango with these great friends to dance. After Lorraine’s passing Marshall would still make the trip to the Wild Horse in Durango making new friends and dancing, until he was unable to continue.

Marshall raised racehorses with his brother Pete, who trained and raced them, something he immensely enjoyed doing. Marshall, Lorraine and their Granddaughter Erin, whom they raised, would make the trip to Oklahoma to visit Pete and the racetrack often. The racetrack was a passion for Marshall, his father and brothers from time he was a child.

Marshall will be greatly missed by all. He was proceeded in death by his wife Lorraine, his parents, brothers Tommy, Tony, and sister Teresa. He is survived by his children, Myra (Ken) Hunt, Jeff (Laura) Herrera, Annie, Annett (Jeff) Hitchell. (Grand)daughter Erin (Noah) Lopez. Grandchildren: Tana (Mike) Kelley, Ashley Hitchell (Garrett Minser), Cody Britton-Herrera, Great Grandchildren, Jerad, Carter, Ryland Lopez, Martin Kelley. Also Surviving are brothers Levi (Rosalie) Herrera, Pete Herrera and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 2 to 4 pm at Hood Mortuary. A service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Hood Mortuary 10 am. Interment to be held immediately after at the Marvel cemetery. 

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Marvel Methodist Church, P.O. Box 122, Marvel, Colorado 81329.