Kenneth Wayne Herron

He grew up on a farm in the small town of Ladonia, Fannin County, Texas where he learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. He attended school at Clark Elementary and Clark High School where he was valedictorian of his high school class. He also played sports and received a basketball and track scholarship to college. He was a part of the Clark High School Leopards basketball team who were called the “Mighty Leopard Hoopsters” who brought much fame to the area becoming a powerhouse team of the state playoff champions. He went on to state playoffs for two more years.

Kenneth attended Texas College in Tyler, Texas where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1962. He later went back to teach at Clark High School. He pursued and received his Master of Secondary Education at Lamar University in 1973. While pursuing his undergrad education at Texas College he worked as a short order cook and a chauffeur. He also became a part of the distinguished gentlemen of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., but most importantly he met the most beautiful AKA on campus, the love of his life, Rubye Nelle Smith. Kenneth married his soulmate on June 12, 1963, twelve days after she received her degree. Following the acceptance of an educator’s opportunity, Kenneth and his loving wife, also an educator, settled in Liberty, Texas where they located Godfrey Chapel Church of God in Christ. He taught Sunday School and was also the Sunday School Superintendent.

He began his teaching career at West Liberty High School where he taught math and was the assistant basketball coach. He was also a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons during the summer. When the schools intergraded, Kenneth continued teaching math at Liberty High School and also had a vocational adjustment class (VAC). He also worked with the Liberty ISD Transportation Department as a bus driver. Throughout his career with LISD, he received several awards such as “Teacher of the Year” and “Educator of the Year”. Kenneth retired from LISD in 2000 after 38 years of service.

Daddy always told us that he had one million and one things to do. His work ethic also encompassed: Municipal Court Judge (1981-1994) for the City of Ames, Texas and entrepreneur: Speedy Carwash, Speedy Plumbing, and Speedy Tax Service. He was a member of many organizations: Texas State Teachers Association (Lifetime member 1974), Texas Municipal Courts Association, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (1987), Liberty Lion’s Club, Texas Water Association (1984), Texas Association of Vocational Adjustment Coordinators (lifetime member 2000), Texas Water Quality Association which encompassed his employment at the Ames-Minglewood Water System, City of Ames, City of Hardin, City of Devers, and Raywood Water System.

In his later years, he was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer and Deacon of Godfrey Chapel Church of God in Christ.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Dorothy Sue Morgan, Willie Mae Franklin, and Lola Wanda Herron; niece, Aletha Kay Herron; his wife of 54 blessed years, Rubye Nelle Smith Herron.

He is survived by his children, Deaconess Kneni D. Herron (Terrence) and Dr. Kendrek D. and Kelli D. Herron. He was the proud grandfather of: Kyara LaNelle, Khrystal LaChe’, and Knekya LaChelle. His Godson Jermaine L. Daggett (Katie), niece Sandra Cherry (Tommy), nephews Darrell and Elliot Herron, Carolyne L. Daggett (Leon), Corey L. Daggett (Dionne), Eld. Harold G. Smith (Paulette), Sherron Green (Reginald), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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