Herbert was born the youngest of four children to Elmin W. and Herbert W. Tennyson. His early years were spent in Wichita with his siblings, Thelma Tennyson Drake (Wichita, former owner of Chasnoff Clothing), Horace W. Tennyson (Texas, US Navy, WWII), and Leavena Tennyson Fitch (Colorado).

Herbert enlisted in the Army in 1941, and in May of 1943, Herbert married the love of his life, Jean E. (Nelson) Tennyson.

Herbert entered officer training and trained to be a US Army Air Forces pilot, ultimately serving in the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force until his passing in 1944.

When Herbert passed, his wife Jean was expecting their daughter Pamela Ann, whom he would sadly never meet. Jean never remarried, and never gave up hope or belief that he would one day return. Today, as Herbert is buried with his wife Jean, they are finally reunited this side of heaven.

Jean lived until January 2017, just months before the wreckage of Heaven Can Wait was first identified.

Herbert is survived by his grandson, Scott Jefferson and great-grandsons Ryder and Gabriel, all currently residing in New Zealand, as well as grandnieces Cathy Lucas and Tess Crick of New Hampshire, and grandnephew Scott Lewis, also of New Hampshire.