Herbert Allen McCool, a longtime Northwest Colorado resident, died March 13, 2008, at the Mesa Manor Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 93 years old and had been a resident at The Fountains assisted living center for 5 years.

Herb was born in Lehigh, Okla., to Roy and Ethel McCool. After spending his childhood years in Oklahoma and Illinois, the family moved to Mt. Harris in 1930 when he was 16. He graduated from Hayden Union High School. After graduation, he spent a period of time in California as a singer with a band. Returning to Mt. Harris, he began his career in the coal mines starting at the Bear River Coal Mine, east of Mt. Harris. After three years, he moved to the Mt. Harris Mine, known as the Colorado Utah Coal Co.

In 1939, Herb was called to the service of his country by being drafted into the Army. He served in the 157th Infantry. Returning from the service, he resumed his career as a mechanic and later an electrician for Colo-Utah until the mine closed in 1958. He closed out his mining career by working for a locally owned mine southwest of Hayden. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and the recipient of the 50-year pin.

In September 1949, he married Anna Compestine of Mt. Harris, and they contined to live in Mt. Harris until the mines closed and they moved to Hayden. After living many years in Hayden, they moved to Craig to be closer to the medical facilities important for Ann.

Herb’s greatest joy was his love for his Lord Jesus, and for his church. He was active in First Baptist in Hayden and Calvary Baptist in Craig until health problems kept him from attending. He was an avid sports fan, following the Rockies and the Broncos. He also enjoyed deer hunting. Music was a lifelong love for Herb, and he would spend hours listening to his favorites.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, his parents and brother, LeRoy. Survivors include his two sisters, Emma Snyder and Normalene Kline of Grand Junction, as well as one niece and four nephews.

The funeral is at 1 p.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church in Craig. Burial will follow at the Hayden Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Grant Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado at P.O. Box 60307, Grand Junction 81506.