Charles Donald Herold

Hero, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary reads as follows: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; an illustrious warrior; a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage. The term hero has been a label for an endless list of individuals, both men and women, for thousands of years. September 8, 1930, God decided to gift this world with one, and his name is Charles Donald Herold. It is important to note that his name is Charles Donald Herold, and not was, because he will live forever through his friends and family. Charles, who would be very clear that he goes by Chuck, is what all men will spend their whole life trying to be. He is a son, a father, a grandfather, a husband, and he is our friend.

A great challenge, one that cannot be achieved, is to attempt to encapsulate everything that Chuck was, and is, into words. For all of the blessed souls that had the pristine privilege of knowing him, take this moment along with his family and thank our God who created him. Most men and women will spend their entire lives trying to understand their purpose, where they fit, and what they stand for and most of us will fail in discovering these answers. Chuck, he was brought into this world with all of the answers and he spent his entire life allowing us to learn from the very things he was born with. Chuck, we all thank you.

It is breathtaking to know that a single person like Chuck can have such an impact on so many people. One can only pray that when the end of our life here is upon us, we can say in confidence that we touched the life of a single person. When God had his final conversation with Chuck on July 6, 2021 moments before he brought him home, I know that God thanked him. This is a time that some with mourn our loss while so many others will celebrate his life. For those of you who attended the Christmas parties every year that Chuck hosted, rest assure that it was God who was hosting the welcome home party on July 6, 2021.

The streets of heaven were standing room only when the greatest man who we have ever known arrived. Do not let the tears that run down our cheeks be tears of sorrow, make them our tears of pride and admiration. Chuck, you are home.

Chuck’s children, his beautiful children were the sole reasons why he lived. Chuck, Linda, Diana, Laura, Melissa, and David are blessed enough to be able to call Chuck their father. When his children are together, stories and experiences we all had with Chuck become the host of the conversations. His children have all learned so much from their father and we will carry something that he instilled in us for the rest of our lives. The gift he gave us is so rare that it is often unable to find in most; Chuck, Linda, Diana, Laura, Melissa, we have something special and it is our responsibility to share it with others.

Lastly, to the yellow rose of his life, Betty. Betty, words escape me on how to describe the impact you have made on your family’s life, let alone Chuck’s. Understanding the challenges to even find the words to thank you make us realize just how much Chuck, your husband, loves you. When Chuck would say, “That woman takes my breath away”, I understand it because I too am truly at a loss for words. You have been with this wonderful man for over 40 years, and were there until his very last day with us. The time you spent with him in the final days, you two were not alone. The room was full of all of our family, and God, that were waiting to escort him home. If Chuck never accomplished anything in his entire life, having an entire life to love you like he did would make him die the most accomplished man he knew.

My name is David Alan Herold and I am Chuck’s youngest son. Being granted the opportunity to speak on behalf of my father, my mother, and all of Chuck’s children, this is the single most special moment of my entire life. We love you Detective Herold, oh how we love you.

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