Napoleon Leal Herrera, Jr.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 

Napoleon Leal Herrera Jr. "Nap", a dedicated servant to his country, community, and family, was born on January 8, 1935, in San Antonio, Texas. Surrounded by love, he passed peacefully at his home in Natalia Texas on January 12, 2025, at the age of 90. He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Napoleon Leal Herrera, and Annita Nelson Herrera, and siblings, Lloyd and Rudy Herrera, Harry Nelson, and Emma Herrera Mier. He rests in the grace of the Lord, who he served with steadfast faith. 

Napoleon's life was defined by an extraordinary commitment to service. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served honorably during the Korean Conflict, exemplifying courage and devotion to his fellow Marines and his nation. Following his military service, he continued to protect and serve as a San Antonio firefighter and became one of the first two Mexican American highway patrolmen for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1964. His trailblazing career with DPS was marked by integrity and a dedication to justice, which he carried forward as a Special Agent for U.S. Customs. 

In addition to his law enforcement roles, Napoleon shaped countless lives as an instructor at the DPS Academy and as an investigator for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Later, he became a truant officer for Devine ISD and served as a Natalia ISD School Board Trustee, advocating tirelessly for the education and well-being of children in his community. 

Napoleon balanced his professional achievements with a deep devotion to his family. He was a loving husband to his wife of 44 years, Tina Marie Herrera, and a guiding presence to their children, Robert Allen Herrera, Darryl Wayne Herrera, and Deandra Renee Gomez. His legacy lives on in his eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who will remember him as a man of faith, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Private interment services will be held on February 7, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Napoleon Leal Herrera Jr. lived a life of sacrifice, humility, and service, always placing others before himself. His unwavering faith, dedication to his family, and enduring contributions to his country and community stand as a testament to a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."

― Ronald Reagan