Richard Dean Herndon

On Monday, November 27, 2023, Richard Dean Herndon, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 74 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born in Oakdale, CA. on February 25, 1949 to Fred and Juanita (Spence) Herndon. After graduating from Talihina High School in 1968, Richard Joined the United States Navy and served proudly on the USS Newport News during the war in Vietnam. Richard was honorably discharged in 1970. He served two more years in the Oklahoma National Guard. On January 15, 1972, he married the love of his life, Lodie Mae Ward. They shared 51 years together raising two sons and two daughters. He was a handyman with a talent to fix and create anything. He loved fishing, watching wrestling, car racing but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and eating Kentucky Fried Chicken! He was known for his cheerful and friendly personality. He would talk and joke, making anyone feel at ease. He loved big and would do anything to make your day better. Richard is survived by his wife Lodie of Talihina, OK; son, Calvin and wife Debbie Ward of Hartshorne, OK; daughter, Doris Winlock and husband Lance of Talihina, OK; daughter, Jessica and husband Javier Hernandez of Talihina, OK; He was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Lesley James and Roy Gullick of Poteau, OK, Matthew and wife Crystal Schafer of San Antonio, TX, Chelse and husband Josh Yates of San Antonio, TX, Dustin and wife Kayla Ward of Princeton, TX, Shawnna and Taylor Hubbard of Talihina, OK, Courtnee' Smith of Gonzales, TX, Allyson Smith of Gonzales, TX, Brittany Winlock of Talihina, OK, Kyle and wife Chelsie Winlock of Talihina, OK, Attisyn King of Talihina, OK, Chloe King of Talihina, OK, Daxton Hernandez of Talihina, OK, as well as 19 precious Great Grand Children; four brothers: Nelson and wife Cheryl Herndon of Pine Grove, CA, Wayne Herndon of Provo, Utah, Johnny and wife Gloria Herndon of Provo, Utah, James Herndon of Talihina, OK, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Richard is preceded is death by his parents and oldest son Cecil Ward. Pallbearers will be Matt Schafer, Kyle Winlock, Javier Hernandez, Dustin Ward, James Herndon, and Raymond Ludow. Honorary Pallbearers are Lance Winlock, John Chancellor, Josh Bull, Marston Ludlow, and Buckshot Bryant Visitation will be on Monday, December 4th, 2023 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina, Oklahoma Services will be on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 at 2:00PM at the New Hope Church in Talihina with Bro. Josh Bull Officiating. Internment and Military Honors will follow at the New City Cemetery in Talihina, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service of Talihina.

Richard Dean Herndon

February 25, 1949 - November 27, 2023