Ernest T. Herndon, Sr., 85, of Leesburg, passed away November 7th, 2009 at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Leesburg.
Born October 6th, 1924 in Leesburg, Virginia, he was the son of Roland Herndon and Ethel Thompson Herndon. On April 7th, 1946 in Leesburg, he married the former Martha Gray Kephart, who preceded him in death on December 2nd, 1995.
Born and raised in Leesburg, and a lifelong resident, Mr. Herndon was a veteran of WWII, having served in many of its conflicts, including Okinawa, where he received the Purple Heart. He was a farming manager for over 13 years where he raised Angus Cattle, and along with his wife and daughter, was the owner and operator of a hobby ceramic shop for over 26 years. He was also an artist, and the past President of the 4-H and Associates.
Beside his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter Herndon and Robbie Ellis, and several step-brothers and sisters. Survivors include four sons, The Rev. Ernest T. "Tommy" Herndon, Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Manassas; Richard Herndon and his wife Brenda of Leesburg; John Herndon and his wife Ann of Aldie; The Rev. Adin Herndon and his wife Karen of Spring Grove, PA; one daughter, Tammy Minkin and her husband Ted of Leesburg; one sister, Louise Pierce and her husband Jack of Haddonfield, NJ; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with The Rev. Tommy Herndon, Jr. and The Rev. Adin Herndon officiating. Interment will immediately follow in the Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA.
Memorial contributions may take the form of a donation to Evercare Hospice and Palliative Care, 21515 Ridgetop Circle # 330, Sterling, VA 20166, or to the Manassas St. Thomas United Methodist Church Building Fund, 8899 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110.