William Brenton “Brent” Herd passed away peacefully at his home on December 6 at the age of 39. His sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him.
Born in Milford, Herd was one of four children of Tamara Gallagher and William “Bill” Herd. Well-known in the community, Herd was best known for his sense of humor and generous, welcoming nature at several Dairy Queen locations in the area as well as in restaurants owned by the Big Fish Restaurant Group. Every visitor to places where Herd worked felt their day got a little brighter when they encountered him.
According to his family, Herd cherished simple moments and had a gift of making people feel comfortable. He was always willing to share a laugh, offer a listening ear or suddenly appear just when someone needed him. His presence made others feel valued, seen and understood.
“So sorry to see this,” Sherry McKee posted on a social media post about his death. “He was one of the sweetest students I had the pleasure of teaching in school. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.”
His legacy of kindness, humor and heartfelt connection will be felt as deeply as his absence, but the family knows his spirit will shine through the many lives he touched. Herd’s time on Earth was far too short, but the love he gave and the memories he leaves behind will be endured forever.
Herd was preceded in death by his parents as well as his grandparents, Barbara Gallagher, Donald F. Gallagher, Andy and Lenora Herd along with an uncle, James Herd.
He will forever be missed by his siblings, Bradley and Ashley Herd; Erica and Keith Bauer; and Colby Herd. He leaves behind nieces and nephews Alexis Herd, Alexander Bauer, Adelaide Bauer, Addison Bauer, Anderson Bauer and Ashton Bauer. His grandmother, Sara Gallagher survives him along with his aunts, Joyce Herd, with whom he lived; Jane Herd and Susan Case.
Cousins and friends too numerous to mention will also mourn his loss.
Funeral services were held December 13 with burial in the Milford Community Cemetery.
Erica and family, I am so very sorry to see this news. We just saw you a couple of weeks ago, I hope you know you and Brent were fresh in our minds. My heart aches for you and your sweet family. We were away during this time, so I am just seeing this today, 12/20/25. Hugs to you as you deal with another tragic loss. Keeping you in my prayers dear one!