In loving memory of
Ronald Winferd Herndon Sr.
July 31, 1938 - June 17, 2022
Ronald Winferd Herndon Sr. was born on Sunday, July 31, 1938, in Friendswood, Texas and passed away in his home with his family by his side in Nevada, Texas on Friday, June 17, 2022.
He was born to Winferd and Christine Dorine (Hansen) Herndon and was the third born in a family of six, four sisters and one brother. He was the oldest son, and his older sisters loved to dress him up and once even permed his hair. As a boy he was fearless, he once told his mother he had a pet snake and when she went to see it, it was a copperhead which she swiftly killed. He loved his parents dearly and would do anything for them. He grew up in Springtown, Texas until just after WWII and then the family moved to Northeast Texas and then to Odessa, Texas.
He graduated from Odessa High School in 1957. He served in the Airforce for four years. After his honorable discharge he was a master plumber for 48 years and a licensed plumber for over 58 years.
He married Lillie Marie in Odessa, Texas on October 22, 1970. They had 51 wonderful years together and shared the love of their five children.
He grew up Baptist and was a member of the 2nd Baptist Church in Odessa. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge.
He loved to go fishing, golfing, bowling, really anything sports related. He played football in High School until an injury sidelined him. He was a bat boy for his dad's semi-pro baseball team. He loved all music and really enjoyed Usher. The entire family is very musical, and he played the harmonica, juice harp and spoons. Roger Moore was one of his favorite actors and favorite movie was any of the James Bond 007. His hero was Sergeant Alvin York.
He was affectionately known as Ronnie, Brother, Ron, Daddy, and Papa. His favorite place to be was with his family but if he wasn't with them then you could find him golfing or on the lake. He was very loving, giving, trustworthy, fun, hardworking, intelligent, witty, and always ready to get in the truck and go! If you ever needed something he was there ready to help anyone he could. He would give you the shirt off his back.
He is preceded in death by his parents Winferd and Christine Herndon. His sisters; Dorine Fine, LaNelle Bearden and Ann Holder. He was also preceded in death by his furbabies Tagg and Doobee.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory the love of his life and best friend Lillie Marie (Brem) Herndon. His son, Ronald Winferd Herndon II, and wife Becky; his daughter Kelly Newman; daughter Peggy Hicks and husband Edward; daughter Nicole Woods and husband Maurice and son, Garrod Herndon. His fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren will miss him greatly. He also leaves behind his brother, Charles Herndon, and wife Barbara as well as his sister Laura Lee Londt and husband Eddie, numerous nieces, nephews, loving family, friends, and his beloved dog Gabbee and feisty cat Kai