1SG (Retired) Donald A. Herrick Jr., age 53, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2025, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Born on June 26, 1972, in Bangor, Maine, Donald was the beloved son of Donald and Darlene Herrick of Stockton Springs, Maine. He graduated from Searsport High School in 1990 and married his high school sweetheart, Carol Rae Solovei, in May 1991. Their marriage of over 34 years was built on love, loyalty, and an unwavering partnership.

Donnie enlisted in the United States Army in 1992 and proudly served for over 21 years, retiring in 2013 at the rank of First Sergeant. His career reflected integrity, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the soldiers he led and served beside. After his military retirement, he continued his service as a Department of the Army Civilian at Fort Sill, dedicated to supporting soldiers and their families until his passing.

Donnie loved big and loved forever. He was about the team-whether that was his Army family, his friends, or his greatest pride: his family.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Lawton, Oklahoma; daughter Jessie and her spouse Kade; son Matthew and his partner Josie; his parents, Donald and Darlene Herrick of Stockton Springs, Maine; father- and mother-in-law David and Judith Solovei of Winterport, Maine; brother Randy Herrick and his wife Jodie; sister Tunya Donald and her husband Chris; sisters-in-law Debbie Bishop and her husband Joe, Heather Nadeau and her husband Dustin; and brother-in-law Mike Solovei. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.

The family will greet visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home in Lawton, Oklahoma. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Lawton.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial scholarship and endowment in Donnie's name to continue his legacy of service and mentorship. Donations may be made to the Lawton Community Foundation for Don Herrick Memorial Fund , 1000 N. Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 or at LawtonCF.org.

"I will tell you what bravery really is. Bravery is just determination to do a job that you know has to be done."

- Audie Murphy

An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com