John Wesley Herndon, 93, of Culdesac, passed on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. The world has lost one more member of the greatest generation. John's community has also lost a living treasure and example to the meaning of perseverance, honor and dignity.
Born Oct. 3, 1923, the second child of six to Leslie Drew and Grace Ellen (Tupper) Herndon, John came into the world without record of a proper birth weight; the scale only went to 13 pounds. Raised in Garden Gulch and on Tom Beall Road, John rode horseback with his siblings to a one-room schoolhouse on Cottonwood Creek. He later attended school in Culdesac, played trumpet in the high school band and was a proud high school graduate.
After school, he made his life's work the family business. Farming, cattle and logging in Grangemont with his father and later his son, he expanded the enterprise to include a successful and productive sheep herd. When work didn't require his immediate attention, John supported his son's competitions in motorcycle hill climbing and later motocross racing.
He was a passionate hunter and fisherman, who loved God's Earth and streams and the solace it offered. His travels took John to the Northern Canadian Territories, countless states and close to home in the Buffalo Hump region. John was especially fond of his pack mules and long trips into the mountains with fellow adventurers.
When the long, arduous hunts became too strenuous, John turned his interest to black-powder shooting. He was active in the local and regional competitions and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. The passion was further embraced with the authentic garb, made by his own hands, of a suit made of moose hide, laced together with strips of hide as thread and deer antler buttons. John also skillfully fashioned his own pattern to create Hudson Bay-style coats from wool blankets. Some he made to sell, some he wore for the shoots and others became cherished gifts.
A very private man, John enjoyed conversation and the company of interesting people. Other than gardening, John's other pastimes included making sure the local food bank benefitted. John made the daily pilgrimage to the Waffles N' More where, literally, everyone knew his name.
John was preceded in death by his son, Larry "Joe" Herndon; brothers Merle, Don and Lewis (Mick) Herndon; and sister Doris Meacham. He is survived by granddaughters Shannon Herndon of Lewiston and Taylor Stipe of Polson, Mont.; and a great-grandson; as well as sister Gladys Kendrick of Tacoma; sister-in-law LaVerne Herndon; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston. A reception will follow immediately at the Quality Inn in Clarkston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or the Culdesac Gem Community Fund, P.O. Box 45 Culdesac, ID 83524.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, December 3, 2:00 PM
- Location
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Vineland Cemetery
1141 Vineland Drive
Clarkston, Washington 99403
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