Ron "Doc" Herndon

Ronald Dean Herndon, 76, passed away at his Rose Hill, KS home in the arms of his God and loved ones March 25, 2024.

Ron, aka "Doc" and "Hondo" was born July 8, 1947 in El Dorado, KS to Wilma and Raymond Herndon. Following El Dorado High School graduation, he served in the Army as a Combat Medic assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry, arriving in Vietnam just prior to the Tet Offensive. Ron received the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat and Purple Heart for wounds received in action.

Ron worked for the Department of Public Safety and the Texaco Refinery in El Dorado.

An avid hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed playing baseball and softball. Ron held an active role with The American Legion, Legion Riders, Patriot Guard and Sons of the American Legion at Post 136, Mulvane, Kansas, Birthplace of the Patriot Guard. He was a life member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Ron's family includes wife, Debbie (Duncan/Lynch) of the home, son Brad (Tiffany) Herndon, grandchildren Kolby and Lexi, daughter Shadra (Ernie) Russell, granddaughter Bella, previous wife Sharon Herndon, Matthew Lynch (Kindra), grandchildren Ashlin, Brooklin, Leyton, Ella, Messer and Jerzee Lynch.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Don Herndon.

In patriotic fashion, red, white and blue please, Ron's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 6, 11:00am, American Legion Post 136, Mulvane, Kansas. Interment will be a private family gathering in the Kansas State Veterans Cemetery, Winfield, Kansas at a later date.

Ron took great pride in officiating nearly 100 local homeless veterans funerals so in lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of donations to the Tunnel to Towers Organization, T2T.org.