Funeral services for retired CSM Herman Toro, 67 of Kempner, TX will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors follow service at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held two hours prior to the service (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home.

Command Sergeant Major Herman Toro, U.S. Army (Retired), passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 67.

CSM Toro was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 14, 1959, to his loving parents, Demetreo Rivera and Luperrio Toro.

A man of profound patriotism, leadership, and sacrifice, he dedicated three decades of his life to the defense of our nation. His distinguished military career began on May 25, 1976, when he entered the United States Army in Brooklyn. After completing Basic Training at Fort Dix and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, CSM Toro embarked on a 30-year journey of global service.

Throughout his career, CSM Toro served numerous overseas tours, including assignments in Southwest Asia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and Korea. Stateside, his leadership left an impact across multiple installations, including Fort Campbell, KY, Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Devens, MA, Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Bliss, TX.

As an exceptional leader of Soldiers, his discipline and expertise earned him some of the military's most prestigious honors. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (10th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star (3rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He was also uniquely honored with the German Armed Forces Badge Gold and the German Military Sportsman Performance Badge Silver. CSM Toro officially retired on June 1, 2006, after 30 years and 6 days of faithful and honorable service.

Following his decorated military retirement, Mr. Toro continued his unwavering commitment to public service through a distinguished 19-year civil service career from September 2006 to December 2025. He served with distinction as the Chief of the Deployment Readiness Center, Directorate of Human Resources for the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hood and the III Armored Corps. For his unparalleled expertise in mobilization, deployment, demobilization, and redeployment operations, he was awarded the prestigious Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal upon his civilian retirement on December 31, 2025.

Beyond his exemplary service to his country, CSM Toro was a funny, smart, and remarkably strong family man who lived life to the fullest. Throughout his time in the military, he loved opening up his home to have friends over, barbecuing, and cooking Puerto Rican food. He kept that joyful spirit alive his entire life, famously cooking for his offices at work, and always taking care of everyone around him.

CSM Toro shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Sharon, marrying in 1996 and raising their daughters together until her passing in 2021. He was blessed to find love again with his wife, Cheryl, marrying in 2022. Together, he and Cheryl shared a passion for traveling, found great joy in doing yard work and gardening together, and cherished sharing beautiful moments and meals.

Nothing made him prouder than being a father. CSM Toro was a fiercely protective, nurturing, and supportive dad to his four girls. He took great pride in taking them places, creating lasting memories, and standing firmly by them, supporting every decision they made.

He shared an incredibly unique and tender bond with his grandchild, Demi. He absolutely adored her, finding every opportunity to completely spoil her and cook her noodles. Demi was truly the apple of her grandfather's eye, bringing an extra spark of joy to his life.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of love, strength, and devotion. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Toro; his daughters, Mikalah Toro, Candace Toro, Danny Toro, and Desirae Yazzie; his siblings, Luis Toro, Marilyn Toro, Zenon Toro, Richard Toro, Mark Toro, Wandermar Toro, Migdalia Toro, John Toro, Denise Toro; and his cherished favorite and only grandchild, Demi Calderon. He will also be deeply missed by a host of extended family, friends, and former comrades-in-arms who will forever treasure his memory.