Mark Herrin

Mark Herrin passed away unexpectedly on September 6, 2024 in the Aspen, Colorado area.

He was born on November 13, 1963 to Leslie and Betty Herrin in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the youngest of 4 children. He met his future wife, Jean Jackson, in Normandy, France. They were married on July 4, 1998 in Monterey, California. Mark and Jean welcomed two children into this world, Synnöve and William. 

Mark exhibited a thirst for knowledge and was a lifelong learner. Mark received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tampa. He received a Master of Science in Material Logistics Management from Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. Mark was a few courses short of earning a PhD. 

Mark served for 29 1/2 years and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with honor and distinction from the United States Army (U.S. Army). First, Mark enlisted in the regular U.S. Army after high school in 1983. While stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Mark was the Engineer Center and Fort Belvoir Soldier of the Year 1986. He was an extra for the Gardens of Stone directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Later, Mark commissioned in the regular U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, Quartermaster Corp. from the ROTC in 1990. As a Quartermaster Officer, Mark was deployed to the Persian Gulf multiple times over the course of his career. 

His military education includes the Airborne School, Quartermaster Officer Basic Course, Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School, Command and General Staff College Resident, Support Operation Course (Phase II), U.S. Army Joint Officer Orientation, Joint Professional Military Education (Phase II), NATO Staff Officer Orientation Course, U.S. Army Inspector General Course, and U.S. Air Force Inspector General Course.

Mark’s assignments have included Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Hanau, Germany; Fort Irwin, California; Columbus, Ohio; Camp Zama, Japan; Sagami Depot, Japan; and Valencia, Spain. He also served at Bismarck, North Dakota and Fort Carson, Colorado.

His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star (3rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO International Security Assistance Forces Medal, Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Air Assault Badge, NCO Professional Development School Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award) and Parachutist Badge.

After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Mark held positions at Penn National’s Ameristar Casino Resort Spa as a Revenue Auditor and Lead Security Officer, Colorado State Parks and Wildlife as a Visitor Services Technician, and Cabela’s Inc. and Bass Pro Shops as a Firearms Sales Outfitter of New Guns, Gun Library & Senior NICS. His most recent employments were at the U.S. Department of the Interior as a Program Analyst IT Service Management (ITSM) for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and Management and Program Analyst for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Mark was the happiest when he headed west to the mountains. Mark enjoyed traveling the Rocky Mountains, watching wildlife, experiencing the four seasons, and catching every magnificent view he could find. He enjoyed hunting, but really it was everything leading up to the hunt he enjoyed the most. It was the research, migration of herds, summer scouting, glassing the hills, and talking to rangers, fellow hunters, and local ranchers. He liked being outside in the fresh air.

Mark was known for his kindness and compassion. He touched the lives of those around him with kindness and generosity. He could strike up a conversation with anyone around him. His concern for others left an indelible mark on those lives he crossed paths with. He instilled these values in his children, creating a legacy of love. We will forever follow your guidance in finding the good in the people we meet, experiencing life to the fullest in every place we live, and never stop reaching for what is next. You are greatly loved and dearly missed. 

He is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, Synnöve and William; his mother, Betty Herrin; brothers, David and Michael; and sister, Cynthia. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Herrin Jr.

 Funeral arrangements: 

September 24, 2024 @ 10:30 AM Holy Name Catholic Church (Mass Service) 3290 W Milan Ave, Sheridan, CO 80110

September 24, 2024 @ 1:00 PM Fort Logan National Cemetery (Military Burial Service) 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests trees be planted in remembrance of Mark and his passion for the Rocky Mountains.