Rev. Robert Herald, a beloved Catholic priest who served numerous parishes throughout the Brazos Valley, has passed away after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.

He was born in Pennsylvania and received a Masters degree from Seton Hall University in 1970. After entering the seminary, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1989, serving the Diocese of Austin until his death.

Fr. Herald practiced his faith at St. Mary’s in Hearne, St. Ann’s in Somerville and St. Joseph’s in Bryan. He was also a pastor in Austin, Mexia, Rockdale, Gatesville and Waco.

Those who knew Fr. Herald say the highlight of his religious career was serving as a prison chaplain in Palestine.

Services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 402 West First Street in Hearne.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Most Rev. Joe S. Vasquez, Bishop of Austin, will hold a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 12. Fr. Herald will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Hearne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Seminarian Education Endowment at the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Austin.

He is survived by his brother John Herald and his sister Marian Herald Speid; his half-brother Edward O'Brien; and numerous nieces and nephews all from New Jersey.

Rev. Robert Herald was 65 years old.