"Papa" Jaye Herrmann's Obituary
It is with both heavy hearts and joyful memories that we announce the passing of “Papa” Jaye Herrmann, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who left this world peacefully on February 12, 2025, at the age of 61. Born on November 15, 1963, in College Station, Texas. Parents Dr. Wesley “Doc” Wayne Herrmann and VellaAnn Chamberlain Herrmann. Along with his sister Laura, Jaye was taught values that fostered safety, kindness, love, and compassion. All qualities Jaye continued to carry with him throughout his remarkable life. Jaye touched the lives of many during his time on Earth and he will be deeply missed.
Jayes’ family was the cornerstone of his life. He is preceded in death by his mother, VellaAnn Chamberlain Herrmann, son Donald Edmond Herrin, granddaughter Tressa Mafouz, and brother-in-law Rodney Buxkemper. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pat Herrmann, who was the love of his life, and he is the love of hers. To Ms. Pat, he was simply the Best Man in the World. Jaye is also survived by his cherished father, Dr. Wesley “Doc” Wayne Herrmann, sister Laura Buxkemper, and son, Kenneth Ray Herrin and his wife Lisa, and his dog Jake Herrmann. His legacy of love as the greatest Papa and Grandpa will continue through his granddaughters Kourtney Herrin, Kendall Herrin, great grandchildren, Ryder Ray Herrin, Kennedy Ray Herrin, Rosalia Lucia Chavez, granddaughter Brittany Veuleman, and great grandchildren, Austin Reed, Ashtin Reed, Sawyer Veuleman, Cooper Veuleman, great great grandchildren, Grace Reed, Parker Reed, Cooper Reed, nephews Jack Buxkemper, Joshua Jakotowitz, and niece Jessica Buxkemper. His memories will also continue to be cherished by numerous other family members and friends.
Jaye was a dedicated Safety Coordinator at AAON, where he exemplified a strong work ethic and a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of his colleagues. He was known for his thoughtful insights and unwavering reliability in the workplace. The number of professional accomplishments that Jaye had is astounding. From 1991-1995 Jaye was the Training Instructor/Coordinator for Brown & Root, 1995-1997 he was the Divisional Safety Manager of Kvaerner Houston Operations, 1997-2002 Served as the Safety Director for R J Carroll Company, 2002-2018 HSE Instructor/Inspector for KBR, from 2018-2019 he was the Training Coordinator/HSE for Worley, from 2019 until his passing he worked as the Site Safety Supervisor for HydrochemPSC. Jaye held a number of Certifications among them; 1989 Emergency Medical Technician Texas Department of Health, 1991 Basic Volunteer Firefighter Texas State Firemen’s & Fire Marshall Assoc., 1992 OSHA 500 (1926) U.S. Department of Labor, 1995 Train the Trainer in Craft Accreditation Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., 1998 Fleet Safety Supervisor Texas Motor & Transportation Assoc., 1999 OSHA 501 (1910) Texas Engineering and Extension Service, 2001 Certified Utility Safety Administrator, 2015 40 Hour HAZWOPER East Texas Safety Council, 2017 Heartsaver First Aid CPR and AED American Heart Association, 2018 Assessment Coordinator National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), 2018 Coordinator Certification NCCER, 2018 Construction health and Safety Technician Board of Certified Safety Professionals, 2018 Certified Instructional Trainer Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He was an active member of the Board of Safety Professionals, served as a board member of the Safety Council of East Texas 2017-2018, Member of the Operations Committee to Texas Evacuation Safety Systems 2001-02, Representative to the Houston Business Roundtable and Associated Builders & Contractors Association 1995-1997, and served seven years as a Voluntary Firefighter and Medic from 1987-1994.
Jaye had other passions and loves in his life. Among those were Nascar, Cooking Competitions, and he was an avid Golf fan. He was a proud member of Cherokee Golf Club, where he served on the board for many years. Jaye was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
“Papa’ Jaye’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, to be held at Church of Lake Cherokee. Friends and family are invited to join us for a gathering where we will share stories, laughter, and tears, as we honor Jaye’s remarkable spirit and the legacy he leaves behind. Following the service there will be a reception at the Cherokee Club.
The family encourages all who knew him to attend this celebration of life to pay tribute to the joy and warmth he brought to those around him.
“Papa” Jaye’s journey may have concluded in this world, but the warmth of his love and the richness of his legacy will forever echo within us. May he rest in peace, his light ever guiding our paths. Until we see you again “Papa” Jaye!
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made in “Papa” Jaye’s name to the Cherokee Country Golf Club or Hospice of East Texas “Homeplace”.
Church of Lake Cherokee: 11968 Fm 2011 Henderson , Texas 75652
Cherokee Club: Np-2 Lake Cherokee Drive Longview, Texas 75603
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