Herbert Preston House Jr.

Herbert Preston House, Jr. 84, died Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Roman Eagle Health and Rehab Center, following several years of failing health. Herbert was born in Danville, Virginia on November 14, 1929 a son of the late Herbert Preston House, Sr. and the late Molly Mills House. Herbert spent all of his life in the Danville area where he worked in the former Dan River Mills in the instrument shop. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. In Dan River Mills he also taught CPR and advance lifesaving skills. Herbert started his emergency medical career by volunteering with the Westover Hills Vol. Fire Department in the 1970’s. He then went on to join the Danville Life Saving Crew on September 22, 1980 where he would serve over thirty years. While in the life saving crew he served as first lieutenant, captain (1986 to1988), assistant business manager and a training officer. In 1983 he received the Raymond McNeely Memorial Award for outstanding crew member. He was a member of various state and regional emergency services and rescue organizations including the Western Virginia EMS council, a member of the Julian S. Wise Foundation, VAVRS respresentive, member of the Board of directors of the Roanoke Valley Historical Society, VAVRS state historian in helping the rescue and hall of fame exhibit (1991 to 1992), chief rescue officer, CPR chairman of the Danville/Pittsylvania County, and the Board of Danville Chapter of the American Red Cross. In 1990 Herbert received the American Red Cross Exceptional Volunteer Award for Safety Service and on September 22, 1990 became a life member of the Danville Life Saving Crew. He loved to help with fundraising projects and training new recruits. In 2009 he received the award for Excellence in EMS Educators, which is named in his honor. He was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church where he served in various offices and committees. On October 19, 1962 Herbert married Josephine P. Compton House who died on September 4, 2013. Survivors include, five children, Suzette H. Devine (Al) of Richmond, VA, Anthony “Tony” House of West Palm Beach FL, Herbert P. House, III (Janette) of Fredericksburg, VA, Dwight E. Compton (Cathy) and Paulette Kindig (David) of Rutherglenn, VA; three grandchildren, Cathy Jo Lanter (Jeff), Christy Loving (Jon) and Lindsay Brooke Compton; four great grandchildren, Emma, Addison, Breanna, and Katelyn; loving and supportive cousins, Margie Pickerel and husband Irvin and their daughter, Susan Carol Wyatt. In addition to his parents and wife of fifty years Herbert was predeceased by one sister, Mamie House Beck. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Fairview United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kathleen Monge officiating, Interment will follow the service in Danville Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and American Legion, Post 1097 Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Friday night at the church from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew at 202 Christopher Lane Danville, VA 24541. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the House family.

Herbert Preston House Jr.

November 14, 1929 - December 11, 2013