Gerald Preston Herron, 61, of Spiro, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003. He was born July 20, 1941 at Mena, Ark. to Robert Emmett and Lillie (Sammons) Herron. He was retired from Fort Smith Public Schools, a member of Keota First Baptist Church, attended Keota High School, and Northeastern University graduating with a Masters in Education. He loved his Lord, his wife, his children, his grandchildren and sister; enjoyed his work, going to auctions and buy bargains with Larry. He would do anything possible to give help and aid to his students. He put other people's happiness before his own.
Survivors include his wife Martha of the home; one daughter, Diana Ridenour and husband Terry of Spiro; one stepdaughter, Sandy Gilkey of Fort Smith; one son, Phillip Herron of Spiro; one sister, Lovella Herron of Fort Smith; one nephew, Alan Coffman of Spiro; three grandchildren, Hanna Herron, Taylor and Dylan Ridenour; two step grandchildren, Tyler and Victoria Roe; special friend, Larry Lovejoy.
The family will visit with friends from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 at the Keota First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Cook officiating. Burial will follow in
New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Mallory Funeral Home of Spiro.
Pallbearers will be Larry Lovejoy, Frank Roe, Wayne Perry, Gary Corder, Benny Blankenship and Alan Coffman.