Herman Rienhold Gras February 12, 1947 ~ February 7, 2025 (age 77)

Funeral services for Herman R. Gras, 77, formerly of Portales, will be held at 10:00 AM, Sat., Feb. 15, 2025 in the Wheeler Mortuary Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery.

Herman Rienhold Gras, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, in Clay Center, Nebraska, just days shy of his 78th birthday. Born on February 12, 1947, in Brownfield, Texas, Herman was the son of Herman F. Gras and Adelene A. Gras, both of whom preceded him in death.

Herman’s early life took him to a homestead between Portales and Arch, New Mexico, where he attended school and helped his father farm. After graduating high school, he furthered his education at an electronics school in Denver, Colorado. His passion for electronics led to a career that spanned decades and touched many lives. From 1967 to 1973, Herman served in the Army National Guard, a period that shaped his work ethic and love for his country. Herman was married to Patrisha Elliott from 1967 to 1979, and together they had two daughters, Amanda and Leah, who were the light of his life.

After his service in the Army, Herman worked in Clovis, New Mexico for a few years in electronic repairs, but his ambition led him to a long tenure as a repair technician at Valley Furniture in Portales, New Mexico. In pursuit of his dream, he later opened his own business, Valley TV, where he built a reputation as a skilled technician and trustworthy entrepreneur.

In a true testament to his dedication to his community, Herman purchased the historic doctor’s office at 106 North Main Avenue that preserved a piece of local history while allowing him to continue serving others. His contributions to his community and his work as a small business owner left an indelible mark that will be remembered for generations.

Herman enjoyed traveling and made many memories during his trips, whether it was the excitement of Las Vegas, the peacefulness of camping and fishing, or exploring the beauty of South Dakota. One of his fondest memories was taking his daughters on a family vacation to Colorado when they were teens. These adventures brought him closer to his family and allowed him to create lasting bonds.

In his later years, a cherished daily routine for Herman involved breakfast at McCarty’s Cafe with his close friends, Don Holden, Monte Howard, and Hubert Morgan. They would meet almost every day to share a meal, enjoy each other’s company, and play cards. The McCarty’s named a special plate after him—the “Herman Plate,” which featured scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and two sausage patties. It was a simple yet meaningful tradition that captured the essence of his life—close friendships, good food, and a sense of belonging.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters Mary LeClear and Carolyn Gras, and his brother Bobby Gras. He is survived by his daughters, Amanda Gras and Leah (Dan) Kennedy, along with his grandchildren, Alan Bolstad, Abigail Kennedy, Hannah Kennedy, Madalyn Kennedy, and his great-granddaughter Zelda Walston.

A man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, Herman was a cherished father and grandfather who instilled values of hard work and love into his family. He was always ready to help others with any project they were working on. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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