Burton Ray Harmann
March 20, 1937 – June 14, 2017
Burton Ray Hermann, 80, of College Station, beloved husband and father went home to be with the Lord on June 14, 2017. Services are set for 11 am, Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, with Joel Hein officiating and other sharing memories of Burt. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Cremation Centers Bryan-College Station.
Burt was born on March 20, 1937, on a farm between Cooks Point and Caldwell, to Harry and Rose (Faust) Hermann. The family moved to Bryan in 1949, where Burt attended S.F.A High School and graduated in 1954. In 1956, he met the love of his life Virginia Thiltgen and was joined in marriage in 1958 and was later blessed with 2 wonderful children; Melodie who was born in 1965, followed by a son, Alan born in 1968. Burt served his county for three years in the U.S. Army stationed mostly in Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the late 50’s.
Burt and Virginia later moved back to Bryan-College Station in 1959, where he attended Texas A&M and received his Bachelors of Art degree in 1963 while continuing his passion for teaching he returned back to receive his master degree in 1965 and his Ph.D. in 1973. Burt taught mostly history at S.F.A in Bryan, Tyler Jr. College and Blinn College in Brenham. At this time, Virginia also earned her “PHT” (Putting hubby through) by working at the banks. Above all Burt loved his Lord and family with all his heart and soul. He encouraged others to do the same and leave their part of the world a better place.
His brothers, Marvin and Leburn Hermann; his sister Doris Hermann; his parents Harry and Rosie Hermann, all preceded Burt in death.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Virginia; their dear children Melodie Hermann of College Station and Alan Hermann of Fort Worth.
Memorials in Burt’s name may be made to the Aldersgate Children’s Fund, 2201 Earl Rudder FWY S., College Station, Texas 77845.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
I will really miss you Uncle Burt! All the stories you could and would tell. I’ll miss your love for God, the Aggies and your family. My sympathy goes out to Aunt Virginia, Alan and Melodie.
Melodie,
You and your family are in my heart and mind. My condolences on the passing of your father.
Slavojka
I was so sorry to read of Mr. Hermann’s passing. I always enjoyed him coming in to Copy Corner and have missed seeing him in recent years but still got to talk to him occasionally on the phone.
My thoughts are with you, Mrs. Hermann, and your family.
Vicki Ward
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers sent to your family.
Melodie,
This is Okay. Hopefully you still remember the meaning of my Igbo name, Okechukwu (aka Okay)? To refresh your memory, it means no one can alter the share God has apportioned to her/him. I guess you might as well call me Destiny (a guy called Destiny? lol). The true meaning of the name Okay is The Will Of God. It is the Will Of God that your dad is now with Him. If it were up to us, we’d like to hold on to our loved ones forever but it is according to His will, not ours. He has His purpose. Please take heart.
We have you and your entire family in our prayers. The Good Lord will give you and your family the strength to carry on and keep the memory of your dad alive in your hearts and minds.
God bless.
Melodie,
This is Okay. Hopefully you still remember the meaning of my Igbo name, Okechukwu (aka Okay)? To refresh your memory, it means no one can alter the share God has apportioned to him/her. I guess you might as well call me Destiny (a guy called Destiny? Lol). The true meaning of the name Okay is The Will Of God. It is the Will Of God that your dad is now with Him. If it were up to us, we’d like to hold on to our loved ones forever but it is according to His will, not ours. He has His purpose. Please take heart.
We have you and your entire family in our prayers. The Good Lord will give you and your family the strength to carry on and keep the memory of your dad alive in your hearts and minds.
God bless.
Virginia and Melodie,
Having lunch with you on Mother’s Day was a great blessing. I’m also glad I was able to speak to Burt on the phone that day. I am praying for both of you and Alan. Burt, I know, is at peace, healed, and enjoying the company of the Lord (probably telling Him some funny stories!)
I love you immensely!
–Laureen
After dad was transferred to California, we would travel to Texas every other year to visit the relatives. I will always be so grateful to my parents for the opportunity to know my relatives. I very much remember my mom’s half-brother, Harry, and his family. Burt was truly a loving and giving person. He always took an interest in our family and called my mom frequently to catch up on the news. She truly appreciated his thoughtfulness.
My thoughts and prayers are with Virginia, Alan, and Melodie during this most difficult time.
With my deepest sympathy,
Valerie Adlof Olszewski
My deepest sympathy on your loss…and mine. I only wish I had gotten to know my cousin in the past. I know he would have been someone I would have been proud to have in my family. The stories he probably could have told me. I know you all will miss him and I will forever know I missed a great opportunity in my life. I will be uplifting you all in my prayers and know I loved him even though I did not personally know him….that is what family does.
Virginia, Melodie and Alan,
Like my sister, Valerie, I can remember all those trips to Texas from California. One of the highlights was visiting Uncle Harry and Aunt Rosie. We would always spend time with them and Burton Ray and his brothers. It was Mom’s way of helping us get to know her side of our family. But, one of the most memorable encounters was when Uncle Harry, Aunt Rosie, Burt and brothers came to visit us in Long Beach, California. Burt and the the family wanted to put their feet in the Pacific Ocean. It may have been their first time. Well, I was really glad they came because my parents almost never went the beach. But, my parents wanted to honor their request–so we all headed for the Pacific Ocean. It was a great day.
Like my sister, I appreciate the time and effort Burt took to call Mom throughout the years to keep her up to speed on what was happening in the extended Herrmann family. She would be delighted after every one of his calls. But, that was the way I remember Burt–a caring man, a man who loved family. From time to time he would send me a devotional book, a book that had given him strength. I took that gift as an expression of his care for me and my ministry.
I will always remember his courage, his strength of character and his deep abiding love for his Lord. And even though I will not be able to attend his service tomorrow, I will keep you in my heart with prayers for your strength and comfort. May the Lord be with you.–Dennis Eugene Adlof
Aunt Virginia, Melodie & Alan, as well as extended family,
My Late Condolences! We were glad to make it to the funeral (celebration) today at Aldersgate. I am sorry that Kristina (daughter), Eric (son-in-law), and grandkids (Willan & Chelsea) could not make it, as they were off on a planned vacation day trip in the D-FW area. Ron & Bruce from the cabinet shop passed on their Condolences as well. They were sorry to hear that Burt passed on.
Also Elena (my wife) & Helen (step-daughter) also asked to pass on their condolences as well. My apologies as to not passing on on all of these today. It is possible Elena might also post directly. I will give her the web-dress. Then you can say that condolences were received from as far away as Kiev, Ukraine.
Yes, I know Dad (Marvin) could talk, as can I (myself), and GD (Harry) Herrmann. However, I guess we can say, the master of the “Talk” was Uncle Burt, if their was a vote taken. I probably never shared, but Burt gave me a copy of Decision magazine that had an article about a related religious group located in Eskdale, Utah. In my 1989 research trip to Missouri, I actually was “directed” to a meeting, of which was presented by new members of that group. I am friends with those two families who have given me books & other items which are no longer available. So I had been clued in by Burt beforehand. And of course, my first major job at TAMU Printing Center (on campus) came about by Burt’s persuasion to check out the job offer. I worked their 3 separate times in my life. And it was Burt who also was an instrument in “directing” me to Luther in September 2000, who had a job opening in his cabinet shop, of which he sold to Ron in mid 2010. Meanwhile, this makes my 17th year there.
So, cutting my “talk” short, the 4 of you & the extended family have been a Blessing & Always Loved!!!
your nephew & cousin,
Lynn aka “Catfish”