Herring graduated from the University of Kansas in 1933, studied one year at Cal Tech, and then received a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton in 1937 under Eugene Wigner. He served with the Division of War Research at Columbia during World War II.

In 1946, he joined the technical staff of Bell Laboratories, where he created the theoretical physics division, which involved mathematical models and physics abstractions that explain natural phenomena. In 1978, he moved to Stanford because of Bell Lab’s mandatory retirement age of 65. There he became a professor of applied physics, retired at 81 in 1995, but continued as a consultant at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center.

Herring’s work had direct applications in digital telephones, computers, video games, stereos, radios, and other electronics. He received major awards from the American Physical Society (1959), the National Academy of Sciences (1980), and the Materials Research Society (1980).  

He was known not only for his extensive knowledge, but also for his humility in sharing it.

Herring is survived by Louise, his wife of 62 years; and four children, including Brian ’78.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.

Graduate Class of 1937