Gary Lee Herman "Doc" passed away on the evening of September 9th, 2025, while out feeding his deer. He was born to July 24, 1941, in Caldwell, Idaho to Raleigh and Elsie (Shambaugh) Herman. Gary and his mother moved to Rapid City in 1953. He graduated from high school in 1960. He worked at Sooper Dooper and Myron's Cashway making cabinets before joining the Navy Seabees in 1962.  In 1966, Gary started with the Rapid City Fire Department and retired September 9th, 1991, after 25 ½ years of service.

Gary is survived by his son, Corbin (Terri) Herman of Custer and his daughter, Tylee (Jim) Peterson of Spearfish, and his special friend Rhonda Siegrist. He has 6 grandchildren, Cody (Alisha) Herman, Shane (Kylie) Herman, Jessica (Jake) Servaty, Matthew (Sophie) Peterson, Yohannes Peterson and Rediet Peterson. He has 8 great-grandchildren, Harper, Graham, Marley, Boaz, James, Colette, Maeve, and Nella. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Del May.

His greatest accomplishment was building his own log house and producing all the lumber with his sawmill. He created a life that he loved surrounded by wildlife, his cat and his special canine companion, Tia.  Gary enjoyed black powder and rendezvous, modeling for artist rides, riding his Harley and hanging out with his friends at The Gator, The Garage and Matt's Place. In his later years, he was well-known for his birdhouses that he loved to share and donate. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his stepdad, Ted May, his sister, Pat, his brother,  Darrel and his step-brothers, Louie and Jerry May.

Committal services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors presented.

Arrangements are entrusted with Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.