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Obituary for DEXTER VAUGHN HERBERT, SR.
Dexter Vaughn Herbert Sr. was born on November 21, 1953, in Washington, DC. He was the first born of five children to the late Raymond Herbert and Landous M. Herbert. Dexter accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at a young age at Westphalia United Methodist Church. He was a faithful member of Westphalia where he served on the Trustee Board, sang in the Men’s Choir, served on the Hospitality Committee and provided invaluable help whenever he was needed. He attended DC Public Schools and graduated from Phelps Vocational High School in 1972, where he learned his electrical trade.
Upon graduating, he joined PEPCO where he was a dedicated and diligent employee for 41 years. He was a very hard worker, skillful and knowledgeable of his trade. As a result, he was promoted to Supervisor/Manager where he mentored, lead and trained professionals under his leadership. In 2015, Dexter retired from PEPCO. Not content to be idle after retirement, Dexter continued his tradition of helping others by using his experience and knowledge at Dynamic Concepts Incorporated and Anchor Construction. Dexter also had an entrepreneur spirit. He was the founder and sole owner of Herbert Lawn Care Service where his mission was to provide quality lawn care service with a smile for commercial and residential properties. Through Herbert Lawn Care, he also provided employment opportunities for others. Dexter was giving and supported many philanthropic organizations, including the March of Dimes and Community Services, Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO.
Later, Dexter married Melissa Herbert and cherished the love and relationship formed with Zakiah, Wilton, and Jerry, all whom he loved dearly. Dexter was a man with a big heart who loved helping people. He valued “family” and was committed to holding “Herbert Family and Friends Day”, a family tradition that has been held for over 100 years. Dexter took pride in the family heritage and was determined to unite and share the family history with others, sealed with lots of love and laughter. He always had an encouraging word, a big bear hug and a smile for everyone. His love and his loud baritone laughter permeated through every family event from family reunions, Thanksgiving Dinners, Christmas Brunches, birthday celebrations and fellowships with friends.
Dexter was a loving son and had a special love and bond with his parents. He visited his Mother often and made sure she received the best of care. He especially cherished special moments he and his mother listened to spiritual hymns, fixing her fried fish and making her laugh at his corny jokes. He especially enjoyed reminiscing about the “good old days” as a young man helping his grandparents with the Booth Family Farm. Dexter was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and a friend to many. Referred to lovingly as Big Dex, Big Bro, Herbie, Pappa Dex or Pop Pop, Dexter was the proud father of Dexter Vaughn Herbert, Jr. He had a zest for life that was hard to match. He was adventurous, determined, talented and a giving person.
Adventurous – Fishing, traveling around the world with Melissa, bowling, throwing horseshoes, playing softball and always willing to try new things. Dexter was one of the founding members of the Kilowatt Van Club, played for the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Players softball team and PEPCO bowling league and was a diehard Redskins fan. Determined – Whenever there was a problem, Dexter had a solution. His response was “no problem… we got this”. Who would purchase a home with a yard size pool and don’t know how to swim? Well, Dexter purchased his home with a pool and taught himself how to swim as he swallowed gallons of water. In addition, he was soooo determined to get over the fear of riding roller coasters that he finally got up enough nerve to ride his first roller coaster at the ripe old age of 50. He was soooo proud of that accomplishment. Talented - a very talented and skillful man. He was an electrician, mechanic, carpenter, fisherman and a great cook. Dexter loved to entertain and gather family and friends around a meal or a grill. He was the world’s best fish fryer and grill master. His recipe for his fabulous piece of fried fish is still a family secret.
Dexter leaves to celebrate his life, wife, Melissa Herbert; mother, Landous Herbert; son, Dexter V. Herbert, Jr. (Priscilla); daughter Zakiah; sons, Wilton and Jerry; three sisters, Deborah Herbert Banks, Denise and Deana Herbert; brother, Derrick Herbert (Darlene); seven grandchildren, Diamond, Daiyanna, Damaris, Dana, Amina, Tivon and Jeremiah, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert & Ruth Wilkerson, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and friends.
Dexter was preceded in death by father, Raymond Herbert; grandparents, Lercy & Rebecca Booth and Lawrence & Mary Herbert; brother Gregory Ellis and sister, Shirleen Herbert Booth.
