Ernest V. D’Herde

Ernest V. D’Herde

1959-2022

Technical Sergeant Ernest V. D’Herde, USAF (retired), passed away at the age of 63 after a brief illness on Aug. 6, 2022, after a long and rewarding life.

Ernest (affectionately referred to as “Dee” by his friends) was born on Feb. 22, 1959, in Alexandria, La., to Maurice and Patsy D’Herde.

After graduating from Ingleside High School, Dee followed his father’s footsteps and joined the United States Air Force in 1978, where he proudly served his country as an aerospace ground equipment technical sergeant until his retirement on Sept. 30, 1994.

While stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, Dee met Dolores “Lori” Doerksen and married her — the only love of his life — on July 1, 1981. They spend 41 wonderful years together.

After his retirement from the USAF, Dee spent the next 22 years traveling across the southwest as a long-haul driver.

Dee was a member of the Calvary Chapel church in Los Lunas, with a quiet and deep Christian faith.

Preceded in passing by his parents, Dee is survived by his wife, Lori; his sisters, Jennifer Burleigh, Theresa Crabbe and Bonnie Shaeffer; brother, Ralph D’Herde; and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws he loved dearly.

A memorial services was held on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Riverside Funeral Home in Los Lunas. Dee will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with honors.