John Rene Herrera

John Rene Herrera was born on December 7, 1946, in Mission, Texas, and passed away peacefully at his home of nearly 50 years in Madera Ranchos on October 7, 2026. He was surrounded by the love of family and friends, both near and far. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and public servant, John dedicated much of his life to serving others.

John began his 33-year career with the Fresno Police Department in May 1969, patrolling Chinatown and the Westside. He served in the Special Enforcement Section, investigated burglary and robbery cases as a detective, and served on the Police-Probation Team before becoming a homicide detective. He later returned as a Specialist on the Police-Probation Team, where he finished his career in February 2002. Beyond his police duties, John worked to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community through radio and television programs, community meetings, and outreach efforts that reached across the state and nation. He helped establish the Latino Peace Officers Association in Fresno at a time when such efforts were considered radical and potentially career-ending. He also challenged longstanding practices by recruiting women into law enforcement despite resistance. For ten years, he served as editor of The Kopout, the quarterly newspaper of the Fresno Police Officers Association.

To his colleagues, John was more than a fellow officer. He was a trusted partner, mentor, and friend whose wisdom and integrity earned the respect of those around him. Known for his extraordinary memory, John could recall details and conversations long after others had forgotten them. His word carried weight, his advice was valued, and he left a lasting impression on the many lives he touched.

John was also a beloved coach in the Madera Ranchos community, coaching soccer, softball, and basketball teams, including those at Webster Elementary School, for many years. His dedication to youth athletics extended beyond his own children, as he continued coaching teams even when they were not playing. He was remembered for his athletic abilities, patience, and encouragement of young athletes. His love of sports extended to his participation in police softball and basketball, as well as his involvement in law enforcement sporting events, including the Pig Bowl and Police Olympics.

On April 2, 1977, John married the love of his life, Cecilia Colmenero. Although they attended Edison High School in Fresno together and graduated in 1965, it took over a decade for Cecilia to become a Herrera. Together, they raised a blended family they affectionately called the “Brady Bunch.” John had his own nickname for his seven children, the “Mag 7,” inspired by one of his favorite Western films, The Magnificent Seven. Kathy Bradley, Susan Vargas, Gabriel Lanas, John R. Herrera Jr., Michael Herrera, Tabitha Villalba, and Vanessa Chau were among his greatest sources of pride.

To his children, John was their hero, counselor, teacher, and mentor. Through good times and bad, he never lost faith in them. He taught them the value of hard work, the importance of making wise decisions, and how to navigate life's challenges, always offering guidance while remaining fiercely protective. His dry sense of humor was a family favorite, as was his habit of telling his children to look up a word in the dictionary whenever they asked how to spell it. Some of their fondest memories were the family road trips, especially to Arizona, when John would pile everyone into his big van and drive through the night while they slept. As his children grew and started families of their own, he remained a constant presence through daily group text messages, birthday phone calls, and visits. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting them through life's challenges.

John and Cecilia shared more than 49 years of marriage, grounded in their Catholic faith and devotion to family. Together, they served their church and community, including bringing Holy Communion to residents of local nursing homes. Their faith was an important part of their lives, reflected in their service to others and their commitment to family.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Cecilia; his “Mag 7” and their respective spouses and partners; his sisters, Jennie Ramirez and Florence Mora; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynaldo Herrera Sr. and Gregoria Herrera, and his brothers, Reynaldo Herrera Jr., Robert Herrera, Edward Herrera, and sister, Dionicia Herrera.

Funeral Services

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 2140 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the hall at Memorial United Methodist Church, 1726 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612.