Hershel J. Lott Sr.

Hershel James Lott Sr., of Woodville, Texas, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022. Hershel was born in Smith County, Mississippi, to Jessie Arwell Lott and Minnie Bamberg Lott on Thursday, November 20, 1924. 

Hershel James Lott Sr., Born in Smith County Mississippi to Jessie and Minnie Lott, November 20 1924. He was the baby of two brothers Herston and Herbert. His Dad passed at the early age of 38 when he was only six years old. Living on a cotton farm with three rambunctious boys, his mom later remarried. The boys eventually left home when Hershel was 11. He lived with his Uncle Gee Henderson where he worked on his cotton farm. At 16 years old, Herston and Herbert found a way to survive the tough world recovering from the great depression, they taught their little brother if he could convince these nice people he was a year older, they could work! They joined the CC camp, (designed by president Roosevelt, young men were able to work, live in camps, and eat hot meals) , making a total of $30 a month, $25 of which was sent back home directly to momma, they were living the dream! 1942 at age 18 the boys were at it again, they were ready to fight for their country in WW2! But one problem arose, little brother was six foot tall but didn't meet the weight requirement of 120! That's ok Herbert had a plan, if he pushed his little brother in front of him in line, he could stomp on the scale when the lady wasn't looking. The master plan worked! Hershel served in the Navy from 1942-1946 on ship LST 378 where he served as the gunner and cook. Returning home in 1946 he met a friend of his two sisters (Birdie and Sue) who had been exchanging letters with him during his times of service- The love of his Life, Irene Brown. Snagging her from the bus stop one morning they eloped (thank goodness old man Brown didn't know how to drive)! Hershel and Irene married on October 23 1946, at a small gas station in Rayville, La. Hershel was 21 and Irene was 15. Hershel worked the drilling rigs for 20 years moving to different parts of Texas and Louisiana. They had five children. Judy born in 1948, Peggy born in 1950, Sherry born in 1952, Vicky born in 1956 and their favorite only son Jay born in 1963. After retiring from the oil field, Hershel and Irene built and managed a small store in Hebert, La. Story has it he was quite the manager, the zero tolerance extended to his children as well. Ask Jay about that brain freeze from his stolen ice cream he attempted to hide, I hear it was worth fainting for. In 1974 Hershel made the best decision of his life and gave his life to the Lord. He ministered for the next 49 years, 17 years of pastoring at Lakeside Apostolic Church and Evangelizing wherever the Lord led him.

One thing is for sure about Hershel, he lived for his family. From an early age standing by his brothers, making sure his momma was taken care of and eventually living for his Wife and his children. His love for Irene (Grandma) was truely the definition of the greatest love story. His five children can each say they were shown a true father, a strong guidance as well as a friend. He can be remembered crying with his girls with the news of a marriage, helping with homework or school struggles and even letting them learn hard lessons on thier own. No Jay cannot fly like superman. "5 kids, 17 grandkids, 46 great grandkids" was his favorite statement when questioned about his family. He accomplished so many things , influenced so many people in his family and community, he truly did kingdom work. His purpose on earth is complete but his legacy lives through his works for generations to come. 

Hershel was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Arwell and Minnie Lott; wife, Irene Lott; brothers, Herston Lott and Herbert Lott; sisters, Birdie Bamburg and Sue Bamburg; grandson, Bryan Pardue and a great grandson, Kurt Lott, Jr.

He is survived by his loving family, children, Jay Lott and wife, Gladys of Zavalla, Vicky Bishop and husband, Tom of Wisconsin, Judy Evans and husband W. L. of Mississippi, Sherry McFall and husband, Glenn of Woodville and Peggy Baker and husband, Billy of Fred; seventeen grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren and nineteen great, great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Riley Funeral Home with Brother Larry Trest and Brother Paul Jax officiating.  Burial will follow at the Lakeside Cemetery in Town Bluff.  Visitation will be held Monday, May 6, 2022, from 6 pm until 8pm.

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