Obituary of Eddie Herndon

Eddie Lee Herndon, Sr. of Broken Arrow, OK, age 81, passed away Tuesday morning, June 19, 2012 at his home in Broken Arrow, OK. Eddie Lee was born to George and Myrtle (Ogan) Herndon November 3, 1930 at the family's residence in Tryon, Payne County, Oklahoma. Eddie Lee was the last of eleven children. Although he was the youngest in the family, all possessing special skills and professions, Eddie Lee’s gift was his undying devotion to his family. His strength was enormous as was his endurance, determination and courage which lasted during his illness. He stated until the end that he was “in charge”, (His nurses and family can attest to that). He stayed abreast of all that was going on in the surrounding community. As a young child, Eddie Lee began his learning process at home from his older siblings. He received his formal education after he and his family moved to Wagoner Country. Unfortunately, Eddie Lee lost his father at the young age of 15 yrs. He took on the role of a responsible adult in assisting his mother in maintaining the farm. In his late teens, he met his future wife who lived on a neighboring farm. Her name was Doretha Cowan, daughter of Phil and Estella (Henry) Cowan. After a few years of courtship, they were joined in holy matrimony. From this marriage 5 children were born. Besides farming, he worked in Tulsa at Oklahoma Steel for 20 yrs. and American Foundry for 15 yrs. For over 60 years, Eddie Lee and Doretha worked together, raising the children, maintaining the farm, through struggles and achievements, successes and failures, enjoying pleasures and enduring hardships. Throughout their life together, God was gracious and merciful to them with the gift of children and the means to support and educate them. In recent years, Eddie Lee’s health began to decline. He received medical and nursing care at local hospitals and at home. It was at his home, on his beloved farm, surrounded by his dedicated and loving family, that he made his transition to everlasting life. Eddie Lee Herndon, Sr. leaves behind to cherish his memory, loved ones in his immediate family, and numerous relatives and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife, Doretha, of their home; 5 children: Juanita Herndon Thomas of Baltimore, MD; Carolyn Herndon Gray of Tulsa, OK; Earl Lee Herndon of Dallas, TX; Keith Herndon of Coweta and Eddie Lee Herndon, Jr of Broken Arrow; 8 grandchildren: Donald, LaShonda, Chanelle, Taylor, Kendell, Joshua, Destiny and Noah; 4 great grandchildren: Chloe, Haleigh, Kiya, Dakota; one brother, Carl Lee Herndon of Milwaukee, WI and numerous nieces and nephews. Eddie Lee was preceded in death by six sisters, Lillian, Helen, Thelma, Hazel, Stella and Willie and three brothers, George, Herman and Cecil. A Celebration of Life Service was held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Wright-Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Coweta, OK. Elder Raymond Weatherd officiated the service. Burial followed at Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee, OK. The family of Eddie Lee Herndon, Sr. entrusted his care and services to Wright-Brown Family Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515. Family and friends may sign the guest book on-line @ www.wrightbrownfunerals.com.