Edward Charles Herling's Obituary
Edward Charles Herling was born on July 14,1938 in Denver, Colorado. He was the only child of
Edward Max Herling and Margaret Ida (Farrow) Herling. He grew up in North Denver, first in a
home on Hooker St, then later at 4585 Beach Ct. In high school, he bagged groceries at a local
grocery store, and also worked for Denver Brick and Pipe Company. He worked hard saving
money to buy his first car, a 1949 Chevy, and later his prized dark blue 1956 Chevy. Upon
graduating from North High School in 1956, Ed followed in his father’s footsteps, as he and a
buddy enlisted in the US Navy. Ed proudly served as a Navy Seabee on the south pacific
islands of Guam, Ulithi, Saipan and Palau, operating heavy construction equipment to rebuild
old WWII airstrips. In 1959, after completing his tour, Ed was honorably discharged from the
Navy and returned to Colorado. Though he had dreams of becoming a forest ranger, Ed
ultimately decided to follow his father’s path, and in May, 1959, Ed began work as a US Postal
Service letter carrier. That same year, he met Patty Horn while attending a church banquet. As
they say, the rest was history. Ed and Patty were married at Beth Eden Baptist Church, at 32nd
and Lowell in Denver, on June 17, 1960. The two were devoted to each other for the next six
decades. In 1963, they welcomed their daughter Marlys, followed by their son Edward Blake in
1964, and their son Carter in 1972. Ed was an incredible, loving and caring husband and father
to his wife, sons and daughter. He spent most of his letter-carrying career with the Lakewood
Post Office. In later years, he transferred to a position with the Denver Post Office downtown,
which gave him the opportunity to work on his tan on the 16th Street Mall. Finally, after 40+
years of hard work providing for his family, Ed retired from the post office in July, 1999. His
friends and family surprised him with a fun retirement party in his honor. In addition to his “day
job”, Ed also proudly served as an Arvada Volunteer Firefighter from 1970 to 1979. He served
as Captain of Arvada Fire Station #2, and later as Lieutenant of Arvada Fire Station #6. He
thoroughly enjoyed being a fireman, gaining much respect and many lasting friendships, as he
fought fires and provided first aid to the citizens of Arvada. Throughout his life, Ed enjoyed
camping in the Colorado mountains. First, in a Mitchell camper, and later in a larger fifth wheel
trailer. Every opportunity was spent enjoying the beauty of God’s creation in his favorite places
like Golden Gate Canyon, Caribou, Guanella Pass, Independence Pass, and the Steamboat
Springs/Yampa Valley area. Ed knew the Colorado mountains like the back of his own hand,
and time spent camping with family and friends was truly his greatest joy in life. In later years,
physical limitations kept him closer to home. He never complained. Instead, he poured even
more love and focus into the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He
stayed actively engaged in their activities, and with kindness and encouragement, he attended
their games, celebrated their victories and worried over their problems. He prayed for each and
every one of them daily, by name. Ed was a life-time Denver Bronco fan, win or lose! Ed was an
avid reader of books, loved to watch wildlife videos, and recently, via YouTube, he enjoyed
following a long-haul trucker on his travels across the US. Last year, Ed began researching his
family history on Ancestry.com, and discovered unknown facts and pictures of prior generations,
which he excitedly shared with his kids. He was always encouraging to friends and family on
Facebook, and had a kind or witty comment for almost everything they posted. He braved life’s
trials and tribulations with a determined smile on his face. By far the most enduring trait about
Ed Herling was his love and honor toward his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For over 60 years,
he and Patty remained faithful members of Beth Eden Baptist Church. They brought their
children up to know the Lord. Ed was a deacon, served on the Camp Committee, Stewardship
Finance Committee, using his Christian leadership in any way he could. He poured his heart
and soul into supporting the ministry at Camp Eden. Ed’s genuine faith, love and interest in
others, along with his quick smile and easy-going spirit, were a gift to all who knew him. He
never had a bad thing to say about anyone. After a rapid decline in Ed’s health, the Lord called
him home to heaven on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024. He will be profoundly missed. We look
forward to seeing him again “when the roll is called up yonder”. Ed leaves behind: Patty, his wife
of 64 years, his children; Marlys (Paul Underwood) of East Prairie, MO, Edward Blake Herling
(Crystell) of Lakewood, CO, Carter Herling (Brandi) of Coal Creek Canyon/Golden, CO.
Grandchildren; Samantha Herling, Chloe (Gage Mortimer), Maggie (Jacob Schmitz), Whitney
(Zach Stearns), Kalie (Alyx Collins), Edward Christian Herling, Kara Herling, Lindsay
Underwood, Corey Herling (Karissa) and Emma Herling, Great-grandchildren; Titus, Eden and
Silas Stearns, Kaia and Arya Collins,Theodore Vasquez, and Baby-to-Be Schmitz. As well as
his sister-in-law Carol Perdomo, niece Sasha Fortson, nephew Andre’ Perdomo, and their
families.
Military honors for Edward Herling will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., at Fort
Logan National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held also on Monday, August 26th, 2024
at 11:30 a.m., at Beth Eden Baptist Church, 2600 Wadsworth, in Wheat Ridge, CO. In lieu of
flowers, please consider donating to the beautiful ministry at Camp Eden. (To do so, go to
campeden.org, from the menu click on “give”, “give now”, scroll down to “my donation”, choose
“one time gift”, and choose “memorial gift” from the fund drop down. The family of Ed Herling
thanks you for your kind gift to his favorite cause.)
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
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Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
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