Obituary of Donald Julius Herron

Donald J. Herron Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully May 30, 2012 at the age of 88. Don was born on June 18, 1923 in Perry, Iowa to Ruth Louise (Taylor) and Donald J. Herron, Sr. He was raised in Marquette, Iowa and graduated from Marquette High School in 1940. Don attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa for two years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19. He participated in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. After his discharge from the service, he returned to school graduating from what is now the University of Northern Iowa in 1947. Don was a gifted athlete, excelling in football, basketball and baseball. He once pitched in an exhibition game against Dizzy Dean. Don also umpired softball and slo-pitch for many years. Don married Betty Bickel Henthorne on July 18, 1948. They moved to Seattle, Washington where he completed a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Washington. Don was a teacher, coach and elementary school principal in the Clover Park School District for thirty years. Honored as Administrator of the Year in 1971, he retired in 1979. Don was a member, elder and volunteer at the Little Church on the Prairie for more than 60 years and he was always available whenever family or friends needed a ride to or from the airport. Don and Betty enjoyed many wonderful retirement years together. Don was an avid golfer and they golfed throughout the United States, England and Scotland. Other travels included, trekking in Nepal, biking along the Danube and canoeing the Green River in Utah. In the 1960’s, they joined the Mountaineers and climbed Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Don and Betty also rode RAGBRAI (a bicycle ride across Iowa) three times. An enthusiastic family man, Don was so proud of his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty, his sister, Margaret Stevenson of Knoxville, Iowa, five children: Julee Johnson (Steve), Chris Herron (Elizabeth), Jay Herron, Tom Herron (Verna), Susan Herron and ten grandchildren: Craig, Kristin and Eric Johnson, Matt, Philip, David, Chris, Katie, Sam and Maddy Herron. In July, 2011, Don and Betty moved to the Weatherly Inn after 60 years in their home in Lakewood, WA. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Weatherly for their warm and loving care of our father during the last year of his life. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2012 at Little Church on the Prairie. The service will be followed by a reception in Prairie Hall. Memorials may be made to Little Church on the Prairie, 6310 Motor Ave. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Please share memories and condolences at www.edwardsmemorial.com.