Celebration of life service for Donald Boyd Herron, 69, Lawrence, Kansas will be held Monday January 14, 2013 at 11 a.m. in Brady Hall at the First United Methodist Church.
Mr. Herron died Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Don was born April 17, 1943, in Dodge City, Kansas, the son of R.Wayne and Marie J. Boyd Herron. He spent many summers working on the family farm near Spearville, Kansas. He graduated from Kinsley High School in 1961. Don, his brother, Bob and their father enjoyed restoring, showing and parading old cars.
Don received a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Fort Hays State University. He married Vae Jene Bowman on August 1, 1965 in Smith Center, Kansas. He worked as a physical education teacher in Mullinville and Harper, Kansas where he coached football, basketball and track.
Working in sales for Farmland Industries took Don to Great Bend, Kansas where he lived for 24 years. During this time, he was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and AMBUCS. While volunteering as a Boy Scout leader for Troop #184 in Great Bend, Don was injured in a bus accident that resulted in quadriplegia. An ever-present positive attitude and loving support of family and friends extended his life beyond what is typically expected in his condition.
Don came to Lawrence in 1998. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and an avid fan of KU football, basketball and volleyball.
Don served in the U.S. Army as a Personnel Specialist during the Vietnam War. He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge, Isis Shriners and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Jene, of the home; his daughter, Michelle Levy and husband Michael, Lawrence, Kansas; his son, Ty and wife Vickie Herron, Shawnee, Kansas; three grandchildren, Emma Levy, Hannah Levy, and Morgan Herron; and his brother, Bob Herron, Lampe, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to KSDS Assistance Dogs or Lawrence Community Shelter, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Dear Vae Jene and Family,
Our daughter Jean just heard of Don’s death and sent us his obituary. We are so sorry. Don had an exceptional life and an exceptional attitude. We had heard that he was a devoted KU fan. We know you will all miss his company and his presence with you very much. Our love and prayers for you all.
Vae Jean, I read in the Smith County Pioneer of Don’s passing and then found his obituary online and wanted to send send my condolences to you and your family. Such a long journey of care and loving support you have given to a guy I remember from college days as a always so full of fun and mischief. It seems a different time in life – however I hope some of those memories will bring a smile to your heart. My husband Lew and I living Lake Stevens, WA near our daughter and her family. Lew is challenged with health issues of Parkinson’s Disease, he was diagnosed ten years ago and is now wheelchair bound. I am learning to be just what it takes to be his full-time caregiver and remain positive and live with peace and hope – if not for now, when we all join our Lord. I was back in Kansas three times last year and always think of you. My mother, Dorothy Lumpkin turns 104 this January 29th. Again Vae Jean I send my thoughts and prayers for you in these days ahead as God guides you on a new life journey. May you be comforted and blessed. Roylynn 1502 90th Drive NE , Lake Stevens, WA 98258 macmanlew@clear.net
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I so enjoyed our conversations, especially of KU sports. It usually got me behind in my work, but was well worth it! He always had such positive attitude and wonderful personality. He will be greatly missed Jene and family.
So sorry to hear about Don. I remember your family so well from the days at Park School. May your memories comfort you in your time of loss. Our thoughs and prayers are with you all.
Vae Jene and family.
So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Our prayers are with all during this trying time. Sorry work wouldn’t let us get away for the services.
Love, Dave & Billie Jo.
Vae Jene and family,
So sorry to here of your loss. What a fine gentleman was Don as we remember him through our college days and brothers of Delta Sigma Phi. May our good Lord bless you and give you strength through these trying times.
What an inspiration Don was to all of us! We have so many wonderful memories of our time together in Great Bend; and Vae Jene, you are a remarkable woman! Just know our hearts are with you.
Dear Vae Jene and Family, We are saddened to see Don’s obituary in our paper today. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We have missed both your smiling faces, and especially Don’s jokes, for the last few years. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Jeanne and Irv Gotsche.
Sorry for your loss. Met Don at KU tailgating mostly, we had lots in common and it was always great to see and talk with him. All will miss Don.
Vae Jene and Family..Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now. Joe and I remember very well our times together at TUMC in Great Bend. Joe and Don discussing the KU team after church. Don was a classy gentlement and we will remember him and your family fondly.
Sincerely
Sharon Lingreen & Joe, too.
Ty, sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have fond memories of him.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dusty
We were very sorry to hear of Don’s passing! He will always be remembered for guiding the younger Delta Sigs when we pledged and as one of the leaders of our chapter. He will be missed!
Jene and family,
Don will always be remembered. Simple as that. Before and after his accident he was positive, fun and full of life. Our hearts go out to all of you at his passing. I regret I cannot attend his memorial due to work and my associate being tied up with her hospitalized mother. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love, Jeri and family
Jene, Ty and Michelle-
My heart is with you guys. I will always remember Don’s geniune personality and positive attitude. He always knew who I was and would go out of the way to say Hi to me.
It’s never easy saying goodbye to someone as special as Don.
Know that I’m thinking of you guys in this difficult time.
I was so sorry to learn of Don’s death and regret that I will be unable to make the trip to join in the celebration of his notable life!
I recall fondly our days on the farm — at first while very young playing, the water fights, Beauty, and mor, and later our sharing the work load of the fields, working for “Herron Bros.” together, side by side. His life since leaving the farm has been a lesson in positive energy, and the love and support he has received from Jene and his family through the years has been a gift from God, as was his life! You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and months ahead. Warmly, Ron
What a great guy Don was. He and Fred had many great times together, always so positive, was such a support to Fred while he was Managing the Great Bend Coop. My prays are with your family. Kay Schmitt
So sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a great, positive person. An outstanding positive role model for those around him. I always enjoyed being around the family & he will be greatly missed. Thoughts & prayers are with Ty, Michelle,& Jene!
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Chris Kirmer
Formally of Troop #184
Don was one special person. He had the gift of always making you feel welcome. He has left all who knew him with many memories of his good nature. I will miss his stories. Jene, Michelle & Ty you are in my thoughts.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I will always remember his pleasant smile when we came to play cards and him wondering how long we would stay up.
I am glad I had the pleasure to know him. He will be missed. I always looked for him at the KU basketball gsmes.