Obituary of Thomas Herbison

Retired Master Sergeant Thomas A. Herbison and former Eugene businessman died at his home April 21, 2010 of age related causes at the age of 90 years, 5 months, 11 days. He was born 10 November 1919 in Conde, South Dakota to Thomas A. & Ella Mae (Russell) Herbison Sr. In 1932 the family left South Dakota and the family settled in Myrtle Creek, Oregon later moving to Roseburg, Oregon. He graduated from Roseburg High School in 1938. He received some college education while in the military from Johns Hopkins University. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1939 retiring from the corps in 1959. He saw action in the South Pacific during WWII and later in Korea at the Chosen Reservoir. He was awarded the Bronze Star with V for Valor for his service in Korea. In 1942 he married Jean M. De Quette in Washington DC. They later divorced. After his retirement from the US Marine Corps he worked for the State of Oregon's S.A.I.F. and Employers Insurance of Wausaw. In August 1968 he married Elaine G. Blabaum of Madison, WI in Reno, NV. In September 1976 Tom & Elaine opened Herbison Insurance Agency which they owned until 1995. He enjoyed spending time at their coast home in Greentrees Village, Florence, OR; traveling, golf, fishing and watching sports on TV. They also owned a "hobby farm" on which they had beef cattle, sheep, miniature horses, llamas and many flowers and enjoyed the birds and wildflowers. He is survived by his wife, six sons: Tom Herbison III (Pattie) of Dexter, OR; Robert Herbison (Linda) of Jonesburg, TN; Michael Herbison (Kathy) of Springfield, OR; Russell Herbison (Barbara) of Eugene, OR; Richard Herbison (Cathy) of Eugene, OR; Donald Herbison (Glorie) of Eugene, OR; John & Helen Peterson of Stoddard, Wisconsin (brother-in-law and sister-in-law). Also stepson Gene W. (Mary) Blabaum of Madison, WI; Stepdaughter-in-law Ann Reynolds Blabaum of Fitchburg, WI; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death was granddaughter Jean Marie Herbison; daughter-in-law Carma Herbison; stepson Nicholas D. Blabaum and great-grandson Jacob A. Roxberg. Per his request no funeral service will be held. A remembrance gathering will be held at Emmaus Lutheran Church, Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Emmaus Lutheran Church in his memory. Military Honors will be given at his inurnment at Roseburg National Cemetery, Roseburg, OR.