johnny bill

johnny bill
Originally uploaded by The Gulde Family.

For the last two and a half years, my uncle Johnny had been fighting colon cancer. He died last Sunday morning.

From his obituary:

“Mr. Hermesmeyer was one of seven children born to Frank and Nell Ruyle Hermesmeyer. He grew up loving the great outdoors on the Hermesmeyer Brothers Ranch at Jericho. He was an expert horseman, breaking and training horses at a young age. He worked along with his brother, Hunk, helping local ranchers round up and ship cattle when he was young. He enjoyed sports, especially football, which he played in high school.

“He served in the U.S. Army in the signal corps at Fort Gordon, Ga., during the Korean conflict. He returned home to Jericho to operate the ranch, and also worked for Montie Johnson and Les Darcy. He was active in community services and served as a director of the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association since 1964. He was a member of Southwest Cattle Raisers Association for many years.”

Last September, during a trip home to Texas, we introduced Francis to Hunk and
Johnny. Here’s a picture that pretty much sums it up. There is such strength and gentleness in these men – my ancestors.