Roger Clyde Herbert, 74, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on February 23, 2026, in the same city where his life began on December 2, 1951.

Roger was, by every outward measure, a strong man. Solid and steady. The kind of man who did not complain and did not quit. Life handed him its share of struggles, and he met them head on. Those who truly knew him understood something more. Beneath that gritty exterior was a soft heart that loved deeply and loyally.

Raised in Kalamazoo and Alamo Township, Roger grew up with strong Michigan roots. He later attended school in Otsego, where he played football, a fitting sport for someone who would carry resilience and toughness throughout his life.

He served his community as a Reserve Officer in Galesburg, reflecting his protective nature and deep sense of responsibility. During his time with the Galesburg Sheriff’s Department, he received an award for best shooting, a recognition that spoke to his skill, focus, and dedication. Roger believed in showing up, doing the work, and doing it right. Whether in uniform, at work, or at home, he took pride in doing things well.

Throughout much of his life, Roger worked in driving roles. When his boys were young, he worked as a limousine driver, and later he drove for Coca Cola for most of their childhood. Driving was something he always seemed to come back to, steady and dependable, just like him. Even after retirement, he was not one to sit still. In the winter months he worked part time driving a salt truck for DJs Landscape, and in the spring and summer he drove tractor trailer deliveries for Wenkes Greenhouse. He found purpose in staying busy and took pride in every job he did.

Roger had a deep love for animals and spent many years helping rescue greyhounds through Grey Angels Rescue. His compassion for those dogs reflected the gentleness behind his strong presence.

He loved to hunt and fish, spending time outdoors pursuing turkey and deer with both bow and gun. He also enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races, appreciating the tradition, the noise, and the competition. In lighter moments, he was known for his humor. He was funny, always telling jokes or pulling harmless pranks. One of his endearing habits was talking in his sleep, something his family remembers with smiles.

Roger was a gifted builder. From woodworking projects to constructing homes, he found purpose in creating something lasting with his hands. At the time of his passing, he was building what he and his beloved wife, Pamela, considered their dream home. Pam believed in his abilities and encouraged his projects, standing beside him not only in construction, but in life.

Faith was important to Roger. He was a member of a men’s Bible group and accepted Jesus as his Lord. He surrounded himself with fellow believers and continued to grow spiritually, carrying his faith sincerely and without fanfare.

Roger leaves behind his loving wife, Pamela Ann Herbert Yennior; his sons, Doug Herbert and Cory Herbert; and his grandson, Chase Herbert, who brought him immense pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Herbert and Eljean Herbert Fuller.

To many, Roger was strong, steady, and unshakable. To his family, he was so much more. He was the man who carried the weight when things were heavy, who protected fiercely, who loved quietly but completely. He made them laugh, he taught them by example, and he built a life rooted in loyalty and faith. The greatest thing Roger ever built was his family, and that foundation will stand for generations.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 4:00 pm at Discovery Church, 2772 Roosevelt Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004.