Carl L. Herring, 79, 31-year resident of Oak Harbor, died suddenly at his home on Dec. 8, 2002.

Carl was born in Altus, Okla., June 17, 1923, to Eddie Lankford Herring and Alma May (Williams) Herring. Carl’s father died when he was eight days old. He grew up in Powell Butte, Ore., where his mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She met and married Allen Cook, and the couple raised Carl and his sisters. Carl later moved with his family to Selah, where he attended high school. Following high school, he entered the U.S. Navy, where he served for three years in the submarine service. His submarine was damaged by a depth charge from a German U-Boat, and had to remain on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea until all danger of attack had ended.

Carl was married to Georgia Taylor for 24 years. He came to Oak Harbor in 1971, and worked for Lowell Harrington as a realtor for many years. He married Katherine “Kay” (Brumfield) Banks June 6, 1975 in Oak Harbor. Carl was a member of Oak Harbor Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed working on anything mechanical. He also enjoyed fishing and boating. He loved to give of himself to other people and was very outgoing and friendly.

Carl is survived by his wife, Kay, at home; three sons, Ronald “Ron” Herring and Charles “Chuck” Herring, both of LaPine, Ore., and David Herring and wife Sharon of Concrete; step-son Duane Banks and wife Margaret of Hillsboro, Ore.; two grandchildren, Jasmine Cullup and husband Jason and Daniel Herring, all of Concrete; one great-granddaughter, Saige Cullup; one sister, Gladys Barber and husband Don of Coupeville and half-sister Allene Kelsey of Albany, Ore.; also, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jessie Margaret Potter in Jan. 2001.

A memorial service will be Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., at Oak Harbor Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Ben Norris officiating. Memorials may be made to Gideons International. Arrangements and cremation under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.