August 22, 1925 May 1, 2004

Norman Herman 78, died May 1, 2004 at his home in Merced.

Norm was born August 22, 1925, in Manhattan to Rachel and William Herman, both Russian immigrants. Norm had two brothers both deceased, the elder Seymour and the younger Robert.

He graduated from Brooklyn Tech majoring in engineering and enlisted in the United States Navy at 17 years of age during WWII. On completion of boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station he was sent to Norfolk, Virginia for training as a torpedo man. He was then assigned to the Doyle C. Barnes with a tour of the South Pacific.

Upon returning to New York after the war, he met and married Harriet Pegler in 1947. They relocated to Stockton, California where Norm was to attend College of the Pacific. Upon arriving, they learned that California returning veterans had filled the school and that he would not be able to attend. Thus began his 37 year career working for the Department of Motor Vehicles as a temporary junior clerk with an astronomical salary of $160. per month. His DMV career culminated as a Supervising Motor Vehicle representative. This position involved considerable traveling to any DMV office in the state as an examiner, manager, or trainer in other positions. He was active in organizing the landscaping of the new Merced office at 8th and T street. He has given many Merced residents their driver's license.

Norm and Harriet had three children Suzie, P.G. and Lori. One of Norm's proudest accomplishments was the opportunity to attend and complete college in Merced and graduate with his eldest daughter Suzie. His marriage to Harriet ended in divorce in 1979. Norm's parents Ray and William relocated from New York to California to be close to the family and help build their new home. He Later married Ruby Mullins Johnson and enlarged his family to six children that included Dexter. Sandy and Kim.

Norm has given Merced County 54 years of service as he has been involved in numerous organizations and had an active involvement in his community. His diversified interest included Mayor and City Councilman of Merced, American Legion-First Vice Commander, VFW Post #1400, Immediate past Chairman and member of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, President of the Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing, Past Chairman and member of the Merced Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Mental Health Advisory Board, President of Mental Health Association, former Chairman Parks and Recreation Commission, Kiwanis Past President, VP and Treasurer, Past President Merced Jaycees, Foreman of the Grand Jury, Past President of the SPCA, member of Merced Elks Lodge #1240 BPOE, Past President of Drivers License Association of California and the Honorary Grand Marshall of the 1987 Los Banos May Day Spring Fair. He as received numerous honors filling the walls of his home and was especially proud of the Kiddie Land remodeling project at Applegate Park, he was also active in Clampers and with DESA (Destroyer Escort Sailor Association), and started a Spelunkers group in Merced.

His survivors include his wife Ruby, daughters Suzie Carr (Tim), P.G. Herman, Lori Gregory (Clark), Dexter Johnston (Ann), Sandy Aguilar (John), Kimberly Cline (Marvin), twelve grandchildren and one great grand-child, and in-laws Clara & G.T. Mullins.

Norm has been a wonderful public servant and has devoted a life time to community service He will be dearly missed.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 8, 2004 at the Stratford Evans Merced Chapel 1490 B Street, Merced. A family private burial will precede the memorial service at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Gustine California.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Merced College "Herman Scholarship Fund" or Hinds Hospice.

Services are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Chapel.