Robert Dean Herndon
Obituary
Robert Herndon, 77, of Tulsa, passed away on August 17 at his home. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Robert was born in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday, December 22, 1946 to Joe and Maxine Herndon and sister JoAnn. When Robert was 13, his mother died of bone cancer. Robert’s father remarried to Maybelle Reynolds Stahl in 1962.
He graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 1964 and earned a degree in Bible from Oklahoma Christian College in 1968.
Bob was married to the love of his life, Janet Kay Anderson, on October 28th, 1967; they were married for 56 years.
Bob served as a minister in Churches of Christ for most of his life, beginning in 1967. He went on to minister in Medford and Alva, Oklahoma, as well as Wichita, Indianapolis, and Tulsa. Bob retired from preaching in 2014 and began work as a Hospice Chaplain, retiring just prior to his passing. He loved music and art, and he volunteered as a docent at the Philbrook Museum of Art for many years.
Robert is survived by his wife, Janet Herndon, and their children: Travis Herndon and wife Kelly (Wichita); Celeste Dvorak and husband Jim (Burlington, Ontario); Kelsey Herndon and wife Lisa (Edmond). He has 9 grandchildren: Addison, Holland, Kensington, and MacAlister Herndon; Sydney and Hagan Dvorak; Ezra, Kaylen, and Weston Herndon. He is also survived by his step-brother Bruce Stahl and wife Betty. He had many other family and friends whom he loved deeply and well.
The memorial service will be held August 24, 2024 at 3:00 in the afternoon at Harvard Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa. There will be a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Week of Compassion.
Events
Tributes & Memories
We are so sorry for Robert to have finished this life before his time. He was always a young and vibrant uncle to me. He also married Naomi and I in 1974. We just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary, so he must have done his part well! When I think of the loss that we all feel, I remember some words from the Apostle Paul that I'm certain he quoted many times during his preaching life: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (CSB): "6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing." - Don and Naomi Hurst
Don Hurst
Janet and family. I was so sorry to hear that Bob had passed. I cherish the memories of your family when you were at Southeastern.
Ginny Basham
Along with my parents and my Bible teachers at Oklahoma Christian, Bob contributed significantly to my spiritual formation and the shoring up of my faith in God. His sermons taught me about grace, hope, forgiveness, love, and sacrifice. His life demonstrated the same qualities as the sermons inspired. Bob asked me challenging questions and loved me through my struggles. In his life I witnessed service, compassion, and gentleness. A good and faithful servant. ~ Marti Elford
Marti Elford
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not worship at Southeastern at the time, I remember Bob well. He was a very positive and great influence for God's kingdom. I look forward to spending time in Heaven with him.
Mona Miller-Donahue
Words mean precious little in this time of singular loss. Bob's smile shall forever characterize his memory as it was an essential ingredient to his personhood. My gratitude to you and the children for your largesse of heart in sharing that good man and his smile with the rest of us. -Dan McCaghren
Dan McCaghren
We are so saddened to hear of Bobs passing. He brought us to Christ. We will be praying for you Janet and family. He was a Godly man and a great guy. We spent many hours working at camp. Jay and Karen Duerksen.
Jay and Karen Duerksen
I send all my love to all of you Herndon’s, and pray for comfort and peace. I am SO sorry that I cannot be there to celebrate his life with you guys. I will be there in spirit
Sylvia Zavitz
Janet, your family will be in our prayers. Bob was a great minister and will be missed by many far and wide. Gary & Beth Meadows family.
Gary & Beth Meadows
I heard Bob preach in Wichita, KS, in the 70's then 1985 Bob & Janet came to Harper KS, and Bob married Joe & Me 39 years ago. We are so sorry to hear about Bob. Our prayer is with Janet & family.
Karin Stallard
Karin Stallard
Ours sons Ryan and Kelsey went to college together at Oklahoma Christian. We made several trips with Bob and Janet to visit them. Bob and Ryan always kept track of who could make the trip the fastest 🙄 We have many memories of times we all spent together. Love to the Family, Linda Shepherd
Linda Shepherd
Janet, I'm so very happy that we got to see you and Bob just a few years ago as we passed through Tulsa. It was so great to be with you for that short time and I'll treasure that always. We love you. Rebecca Noot
Rebecca Noot
I first met Bob when I was a sophomore at Oklahoma Christian (1975) as I was dating a girl whose family were members at Poplar Ave Church of Christ where he was the preacher. I remember is contagious smile, warm personality and hospitable spirit. A few years later when he was preaching in Tulsa we served on the staff at Pettijohn Springs Camp. We shared lots of great times at camp. Bob introduced me to a monastery near Sand Springs for soul care and silence. We were there for 3 days and it was formative for my growth. Through the years we would touch base and pick up where we left off. He poured out his life in the spirit of grace and mercy. I am so grateful for he and Janet’s faithful love of God and others.
Grady King
The first time we went to Southeastern coC, Bob preached on "grace." Later, I called my Dad and told him that i had just heard a good lesson on grace. Dad said, "Are you sure?" I said, "Yes." That was enough for us to come to Southeastern. Later Bob baptized our son Eric, who has been a preacher for several years.
Jerry Hallett
Bob was a great minister to the park Plaza church of christ location when we branched out to the brookside church of christ and his laughter was very contagious because when you hear his laughter you know you have to laugh we will miss you bob!
Zeth Pankhurst
Q: How did you meet Robert? A: We went out to lunch February 1992. Bob being a Church of Christ minister, he asked if we drank. We said yes. He was thrilled to know that. We had a beautiful friendship with Bob and Janet over 32 years!
Te Yancey