It has been a terrible day. Dee has been on my mind all day. This morning I decided to have my own special daylong tribute to The Margarita Man. I have a bottle of Tequila I have been saving for 20 years for a "special occasion."  It is a bottle of Quervo 1800 Tequila that they quit making years ago. I have had it so long; there is some serious dust on the bottle. That special occasion had come. A toast to The Margarita Man using probably the finest aged Tequila in the world that I have ever tasted! I know it doesn't have the ingredients of a good Margarita, that  “The Margarita Man” could make, but by God it is a fitting tribute using the main ingredient. Only Dee was capable of adding the rest to such fine Tequila. Yes the tears are trying to flow even as I type this. I think the last time I saw Dee was one night here in Tyler. I gave Will a copy of my painting of Hondo. When Will first saw the painting He grabbed it and exclaimed Hondo!!!!!!!!!!!! I looked to the right and Dee was standing there grinning like an ol possum! Margarita Man, this shot is for you, to honor the happy moments you helped bring to my life. Dee make God the finest Margarita to your ability because he needed the very best Margarita Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please let me know about Dees's memorial at Poodie’s. I don’t even remember how to get there!!!!!!! But I do want to be there for this!!!!! Fill me in on all the details!! Also let me know about Dee's Memorial in Dallas!!!!!!!

Love All You Guys
Danny Meazell

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I remember him telling me that he also bartended for Van Halen and Jerry Hall's family during a Rolling Stones concert [80s].  He actually concocted a special drink [chocolate martini, or something] especially for David Lee Roth.

He took that margaritta machine everywhere, to both bartend and cook for people -- he was well-known for making fajitas at parties up in Colorado, with guests like Jack Nicholson [who he got high with], as well as for Jimmy Buffet.

After selling his margarita in a bucket idea, he took off to Mexico, telling me that he spent a year getting high on a mountain, just thinking.

He lived a good life, and was not through with it yet.  He told me plans of making a new drink package, all with the end goal of saving up money for his grandson's college education.  He spoke a lot about him, and was so very proud.

Dee came into my life abruptly and left abruptly, and his mark will remain forever.  He was direct in helping me grow as a young person, insisting that patience was a key virtue after having driven to Austin and back with me.

If I had to describe him with one word, it would be "positive".  He never gave up on himself, or anyone else, for that matter.  Billy Joe would always tell him "Dee, you are my hero".  He was proud of his friends, he was proud of his life, and I am proud to have know him.

Cody Hudson

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He was such a weaver of great stories.  We all met in West, Texas, for Poodies bash..with Gloria..( I took him in' '04) ..I have some pictures I just don't have them on a cd....I took alot of him last year..I would always pick him up at the bus station and we would hang out. I am going to see Pauline and John and Gloria is here, tonight,..so we will sing some for Dee....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue Ann

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I don't remember actually meeting Dee; it just seemed that he was always there, like me and many others who were part of the make up of Knox Street way-back-when.

I know that there were many, many hours/days when that whole gang would sit around a large cable-reel table, drink beer, make fun of the outside world and each other.  Laughs were as prolific as beer.  It was a happy time for many of us and Dee was right there to keep the laughter going.

Then there was the day I had a bit too much to drink (how unusual!), when these two non-regular gals came in.  They had obviously been drinking, were loud, and seemed to have chips on their shoulder.

I don't know why (oh yeah I do), but for some reason I fell off the bar stool much to the delight of my rowdy friends, including Dee.  But here is where it gets weird. One of the two gals, she was Hispanic, said something like  'And that's just the beginning.  You (*&%^$**, there is nothing you can do about it!  You are cursed! This Curse is from me to you!!'  I don't think she liked me (how unusual).

What the hell was she talking about, anyway?  She went on and on about some damn Spanish curse and her friend emphasized her remarks with four letter words. Well, in the QM back then, ladies didn't behave like that.  I can't remember whether Mike ejected them or one of his deputies, but out the door they went.  I went into a funk, after all I was cursed.

Dee had been watching the whole thing from a booth.  He came over and said, 'What's the matter, Smedley?'  I said something like, 'Hell, she said she put a curse on me. I don't believe in that crap but I did fall off the stool for no reason (yeah, right) She's full of crap'.

Dee turned serious.  'That was a real curse, Smed, I know it well, and you better believe in it because I know what she has done.  It is real.  This is serious'   Dee wasn't laughing. Panic time!!

Dee said he knew how to remove the curse, it wouldn't be easy, he said, but there was something he felt he might be able to do.  But, he explained, it would take a sacrifice on my part.  I told him I only had $10 to my name.  He said half of that would suffice. So I gave him five bucks.  He left the premises.

A couple hours latter Dee came back. He slapped me on the back and told me the curse had been removed and that the two hags couldn't activate it again.  Man, I felt relieved. (I guess I believed it??)

Then Dee did a Dee thing.  He pulled out the fiver I had 'sacrificed' and ordered a couple of pitchers of beer (you could get a pitcher for $1 back then!) and invited all of us to share in it. The laughter began, and he spent the whole thing on his pals that day.

Now you tell me Dee is gone.  I haven't seen him in decades yet I have a true sense of loss.  Who could forget him? It was people like Dee who made life enjoyable, interesting, and sadly it takes a loss in order to realize just how much people like Dee meant.  He was just fun to be around.  And he would be there for you when it hit the fan.   I'll miss you, Dee, and thanks for getting me to old age without that curse!

Art 'Smedley'

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Dee's spirit is soaring high like the Eagles and his memory will live on in all who knew and loved him. I only met him briefly a few times. He had Good energy and a kind smile. I wish i had know him better as i feel he had a great story or two to share.  Peace & Love ,WPW/

Cherie'

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I cannot find the words to express how moved I am by all that you have done to keep this wonderful memory of Dee alive. He will remain in my heart always.  I haven't written my tribute to him yet but here it is. I hope you will add it to your list. Dee only surrounded himself with good people.  I never met a friend of his I didn't like.

On a beautiful day like today 3-11, I would have picked up Dee in my Miata with the top down and we would have gone for breakfast and taken the back roads all around Dallas so we could enjoy the awakening of spring.  I would have listened to him talk about all of the worlds beauty and how we were so blessed.  He was my Prophet, he was a knower of all and didn't provide the answers you needed, you had to figure them out for yourself. He was one of the most spiritual people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

He had lived a good life and had seen more than most.  He drew his strength from writing his poetry and listening to music. Going to Austin (Mecca) was one of his favorite things to do. I had seen him lose both of his legs, break his shoulder and get through other medical mayhem with the most positive attitude. The last time he went into the hospital he called me to tell me how sick he was and said that he didn't think he would make it out of the hospital.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  Not you, I said, of course you will make it out of there, you are Dee Herrera!  Sadly, though that was our last phone conversation.

The shotgun seat in my Miata will always be saved for you  BABY.

Keep your Taco al carbon!
Love you Mexican!

Lisa Paine

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Your favorite " white boy from Iowa " already misses your phone calls.  I'm a lucky man to have grown up in a small town in Iowa, move to Dallas as a young man, meet and get to know the finest Messican, become dear friends till the end. After the first amputation our trip to Luckenbach you knew that you still could. My baptism into the WNF and the friendships & love from Mamma ( Ashley get your butt to see her ! ) and come see me at your Uncles Sunday. My girlfriend and I will pick my amigo up in Dallas and will make the trip together to Austin, so he can be honored by those that TRULY loved him for his great BIG heart, his wit, his passion for life and his love of people. The circle will be unbroken. Lots of love to all of those that loved him and lets all tip our Tequila to our friend,  Dee...I'll pick you up soon for our next road trip  Poodie has your chair next to Mamma waiting for you.  LOL

Rick " the barber "

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Link to handwritten Billy Joe Shaver tribute:

http://www.texicanmusic.com/Dee.htm

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Here is a poem that Dee called me one night with when things were especially hard for me and had me write it down, and told me I had to figure out what it meant.  I named the poem It Will Pass for him.  My best guess about it's meaning is even though most of us have problems excepting change, you don't have a choice but to hang on to this crazy roller coaster we call life and enjoy.  Dee couldn't wait for change, and he embraced it! 

It Will Pass

Remember everything that has ever happened is in the past and cannot be changed.

Everything you can see is caught up in time.
 
There was a time when it wasn’t,
There is [a time] when it is,
And there will be a time when it is not.

It’s all an allusion.  It will pass [and] that which has affected you will also pass.

You will behold once more, and you will be wiser and more beautiful than you were before,
Outside and inside.

All things are meant to be, but all things will pass.

                                -Dee “Red” Herrera
                                    October 14, 2000

After he lost his first leg he had a hard time staying positive, but he made a conscious decision to not lay in that nursing home bed and die.  He still had lots of living left to do.  All his trials and tribulations in life have passed. He was wiser; had a stronger will and faith; and one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met. 

Dee's spirit and attitude in life are just a couple of things that made him so special to me and hundreds more friends.  I hold the lessons I learned from Dee very close to my heart everyday, and one day "it" will pass for me too.  "Just hold on and wait."

I think next to Willie Nelson and Billy Joe Shaver, Jimmy LaFave is one of his favorite song writers, and there is a lot of them.  My favorite memory of Dee is a Jimmy LaFave show that I had the pleasure of escorting him to.  I can't remember which song it was now, but it touched both our hearts, and we just cried tears of joy.

We weren't always cryin' in our Bud Lights and Hot Damn shots.  I always looked forward to picking him up at the bus stop for a visit to Austin.  We'd spend hours singin', talkin' about music, our favorite song writers, and some of our favorite lyrics.  And there was lots of chair dancin', lots of jokes, and lots of laughs! 

I can still hear Dee's voice in my head, "I love you, baby!  I'll see you later."

I love you Dee. And I will be seeing you soon.

Your Texas Yellow Rose,

Melissa Sawyer

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D was a friend of mine , i just learned of his death today  Sunday the
19th,,,,,,,,we had lost touch for some yrs,,,,,,,i am very saddened ,,,,,, i
just read about it today.......D was much loved by a lot of people i guess that
did  not even know each other....... D was a sweet , generous, giving person who
I know resides in heaven now.......... many tears today

Gene Mayor   ( Geno  )

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I knew Dee from the old music days here in Dallas. He was a great part of the
music scene here and all of Texas. He was a big part of me starting out in the
late fifties and will be missed by all of us that is left. I tryed to contact
him a couple of years ago to let him know about Ray Brondo passing away. He
owned the Fog club and booked all of us, from Ike and Tina and Freddie King all
the way down, but could not find him. I guess he and Ray are together now!

Blessings;

Little Anthony

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I didn't know Dee too long, but yet I got to love him the way he was,  the
youngest old man I have ever met in my life!!  I still can't believe he's gone.

Cindy,

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This web site is fitting and informative. Maybe he's ice skating Saturn now.

David Card, Poor David's Pub

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Our condolences go out to La Familia Herrera on the passing of Dee Herrera. For
those of us that have been close to Little Joe Y La Familia
or Willie Nelson and Family you would always be sure to see Dee Herrera around.
We first met Dee back in 1973 when my parents first openned Rosita's Restaurant
on Maple Ave. in Dallas, Texas. Dee walked in one night with Mariano Martinez
and presuaded us to buying a margarita machine. Soon after he started bringing
in all these outlaw country artist like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jerry Jeff Walker,
Alex Harvey, Paul English(Willie's Drummer} and many others. As years past he
would become one of Little Joe y La Familia and Willie and Family best friends.
Anytime Joe or Willie would perform in Dallas or elsewhere you could bet your
last dollar that Dee was either on the bus or back stage or in front row. And
when he could he would jump in either bus and tour with them. Both Joe and
Willie would say that Dee was like a brother to both. We spent many a goodtimes
back in the glory days with Dee and my little sister Rosita(The owner of
Rosita's) would always be joking and having laughs when Buddy magazine would do
their award shows and Rosita's would do the catering back stage for Willie, ZZ
Top, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Red Hot Chilie Peppers, Joe King Carrasco
and The Kings and many other artist. Dee, You will be missed and may you rest in
peace my brotha.......

El Viejito
Roy Ramos

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I was blessed to know Dee for 36 years and he was an inspirtion to all of us.
The past year I spent alot of time with Dee, and all the wonderful music friends
that love him so much. He was very special..there was only one Dee..in the whole
universe, and he will live in out hearts till we see him again.
Sue Ann Zerre

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I first met Dee back in the late 80’s in Austin. I thought he was Little Joe. I
was amazed with Dee because he knew everyone. He gave me a prized Little Joe
jacket that I still own to this day. Dee was as Texan as a Texan can be. Through
the years we lost contact. My nephews opened up for Billy Joe Shaver at Poodie’s
during New Years. To our surprise, one of our nephews recognized Dee just from
the way we talked about him in the past. Dee sent his howdys to the family and
hoped to get together real soon. Dee did not let his illness get the better of
him. He kept on living and loving. He was a heck of a guy. Until we see each
other in Heaven friend. +RIP Dee+

Rey De La Cruz

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I am going to miss my Uncle Dee the most!! All his stories about "the good ole
day" w/ Uncle Willie or little joe. And his courage and love for my family has
pushed me to be the best parent I can be. I'm going to miss you alot Uncle Dee,
drink a margarita with Papa Locke for me!!!
Ashley Vincent

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To my Amigo Dee,

Your friendship and the cool things we did together will always mean so much to me, brought together by our buddy Greg. Your favorite " white boy from Iowa " will always keep ya a seat at every concert I go to so hang your stocking, it's Christmas !!! Yatzonosmuskipop

Rick " the baber " Faine

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Nanny (mamma locke) and I will miss ya.....Its a great loss and you will always
be remembered when we pass the bottle of Tequila around

Dillon Locke

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Our first meeting in 1970 reminds me of just how quickly time flies. Could it
be you and I were discussing Baba Ram Dass and "Be Here Now" in oppostion to
"The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ" 33 years ago? In that time I housed
your "products" from Mexico, also referred to as "huevos", and you were my
daughter's Mexican godfather, even to the point of being there for her wedding
regardless of how you were feeling. I have and will always love you, Dee, for
the wonderful person I knew you were 36 years ago and the wonderful person you
were up to the day you chose to leave this place. Viya con Dios.

Pretty Patti
 
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I miss you my friend! You won't be forgotten. I never met anyone like you
before and I don't expect I ever will again. You were one of a kind, the most
positive, kind, and giving person. Every memory of you is a treasure I'll hold
lovingly in my heart.

Coni, John, Dee always spoke of you and his grandsons with great love and pride.
My heart goes out to each of you. God Bless you all.

Michelle Dowell