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Herman Leon Price passed away peacefully at his family home in Alamogordo, New Mexico on May 20, 2026, at the age of 92, with his beloved wife, Norma, by his side.
Herman was born on September 15, 1933, in Konawa, Oklahoma to Claude and Bertha Price. He grew up in Frederick, Oklahoma and graduated from Frederick High School in 1952. With the Korean War underway, Herman enlisted in the United States Air Force in February 1953. After completing training at Air Force bases in San Antonio and Amarillo, Texas, he married his hometown sweetheart, Norma, on September 2, 1953, while home on leave and before leaving for a two-year assignment in Alaska.
After returning from Alaska in 1955, Herman was stationed at Holloman Air Force Base. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in February 1957, he began a Civil Service career at the Holloman AFB High Speed Test Track in the Engineering Branch. He worked as a machinist and later as shop supervisor in the Fabrication Section. Herman retired from the Federal Government in September 1988 after 37 years of dedicated service.
Many people knew Herman by his middle name, “Leon,” or by his nickname, “Red.” He will be remembered for always being willing to lend a helping hand, for mentoring young people through The Order of the Rainbow for Girls and DeMolay International, and for his remarkable woodworking craftsmanship. Many friends and fellow Masons proudly own one of the handcrafted gavels made by Herman Price.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Bertha Price; his brother, Jimmy Price; his sister, Flora Fay Price Dye; and his son-in-law, Ray Toon.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma, with whom he shared 72 years and 8 months of marriage. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, friendship, and service. He is also survived by his daughters, Glenda Price Toon, Laura Price Haug and husband David Haug; his grandchildren, Tandra Toon Allen and husband Michael Allen, Amber Haug Rust and husband Taylor Rust, Brandon Haug and wife Natasha Haug; his seven great grandchildren, Leon Allen, Morris Allen, Robert Allen, Ryleigh Rust, Brooklyn Rust, Bronson Haug, Ilia Haug.
Herman and Norma proudly called Alamogordo home for more than 70 years. Herman was a faithful member of Grace Methodist Church for over 57 years. He was also deeply devoted to Freemasonry and community service. Herman was a Master Mason with Sacramento Masonic Lodge #24 for 67½ years and served as Worshipful Master in both 1976 and 2007. In 2005, he was honored with the Kit Carson Award by the Grand Lodge of New Mexico. He was also a member of Alamo #11 Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron three times, and he was a member of the Rocket Shrine Club.
Herman had a special heart for mentoring young people. He served as Rainbow Dad for Assemblies #18 and #44 for many years and spent five years serving on the DeMolay Advisory Board. His guidance, encouragement, and steady presence made a lasting impact on countless young lives.
Family meant everything to Herman. He loved deeply and never missed an opportunity to brag about his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to anyone willing to listen. He was proud of each of them and treasured every moment spent together. Herman loved to sing all the time and make those listening laugh when he made up his own words to well-known songs.
Herman was creative, talented, and skilled in all areas of woodworking. He especially loved fishing and enjoyed making his own fishing lures in the garage while preparing for fishing trips with his buddies. Herman and Norma hosted many memorable fish fry dinners for family and friends, serving Rainbow Trout and German Browns fresh from the lake.
Those who knew Herman will remember his kindness, his quiet strength, his sense of humor, and his servant’s heart. He was truly one of the good guys, and they simply do not make them like him anymore.
A Celebration of Life for Herman Price will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Scenic Chapel, located at 1334 N. Scenic Dr., Alamogordo, NM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacramento Masonic Lodge #24, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.
Herman’s legacy of love, service, craftsmanship, faith, and friendship will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
