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Joseph Herndon Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Herndon
Jim Herndon
July 29, 2016
May God bless you Joseph on this 12 anniversary of your passing to heaven. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.
In memory of Joseph Newton Herndon, 10th Missouri Infantry, Co. B, CSA.
Beth (Walker) Gillespie
July 29, 2013
Remembering Joe, Melanie and the family today, as always. Reflecting back on the time that my son had with both Joe and Melanie and the forever friendship that binds. Love to all.
DeAnna Baldwin
July 29, 2013
Thinking of Joseph today & always. My thoughts & prayers go out to the Herndon family.
July 28, 2013
We will not forget. On the 9th anniversary of his passing,we remain forever grateful.
Mark Werbin
September 9, 2011
Joe, I cant believe its been over 7 years since you gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You are still missed to this day, and not a day goes by that I dont think back to our football days, and the quiet, but strong leader that your were. Just know that your sacrifice was not invain, and that slowly, but surely, we are winning the war on terror. May you rest in peace brother!
Danielle Lary
August 31, 2011
What an amazing friend and a noble man. Gone but never forgotten. He was my first friend when I started school in Derby,Ks I wont forget how big one mans heart can be and a hug so strong, My deepest sympathy.
Sandy Graham
July 30, 2011
Dear family of Spc. Joseph Herndon,
We remember the life, service, and great sacrifice that Joseph made for our freedoms. God bless you always.
Peggy Childers
July 29, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Joseph F. Herndon:
Please accept my remembrance of Joseph on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Pamela Wiscombe
August 21, 2010
Thank you so much for your service to this country. We are sad for your loss and hope you know that we will never forget you. You served in honor and in grace to protect our great country. May you find peace and comfort. Thank-you so much for my freedom.
Peggy Childers
July 29, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Joseph F. Herndon:
Remembering Joseph on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
A fellow comrade kneels before a memorial for SPC Joseph Herndon, who was killed in action in Iraq on July 29, 2004. - Photo by SGT Eishaw Meade
E Meade
March 5, 2010
Peggy Childers
July 29, 2009
To the family of Spc. Joseph F. Herndon:
Joseph gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
In Memory of Joseph ~ (Debra Estep)
July 29, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Joseph, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
SFC David Jackson
January 30, 2008
SPC Herndon, was an outstanding Soldier!! He led from the front as all Soldiers should do, his family should be proud as I am proud to have served beside him. I didnt know him personally but just from talking talking with him briefly and and hearing about him lets me know that he was an NCO in my eyes. You will greatly be missed but never will you be forgotten.. God needed a TRUE SOLDIER so he took our best...
Althea
July 27, 2007
Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and all that we hold sacred. Though tears can never bring you back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that you made and our sorrow at your passing. You are truly a hero and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your mission on earth is complete. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the heroes who have passed before.
PROUD TO BE AN ARMY MOM
DeAnna Baldwin
July 10, 2007
To the Herndon family: I did not know Joseph in the traditional sense, though he is incredibly close to my heart. I have continuously worn a KIA bracelet bearing his name since 1/1/05. I did not choose which soldier's name would be engraved on the bracelet when I ordered it - it was sheer luck that I ended up receiving Joseph's to hold dear. I am incredibly saddened by the loss of Joseph and the countless others who have given their lives to protect ours, but take comfort in knowing that he loved what he did and did what he loved. Your family is always in my thoughts and Joseph is never forgotten.
Patrick Clark
May 22, 2007
I served with Joseph F Herndon, while not with him directly, I was attached to 1-27 wolfhounds during that time. I remember that day. He is still stuck in my memory forever. He was a damn good soldier.
Garnet Jenkins
July 29, 2006
Remembering this Young Hero, on the anniversary of the day he gave his Life for our country. With a Multitude of Thanks for his Service and Dedication.
Rest well Joseph F. Herndon and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and comfort, continue to be with the Herndon
family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967
Those we love remain with us,
for love itself lives on...
And cherished memories never fade,
Because a loved one's gone....
Those we love can never be,
more than a thought apart....
For as long as there is memory,
They'll live on in the heart.
Royce Pindelll
June 16, 2006
Joe was a good man and a good soldier, we are thankful for Joe's service and sacrifice for all of us. We will always honor his memory and mourn his loss.
Andrew Walker
June 1, 2006
To my brother and best friend. Your memory lives on forever in our hearts and minds. From all the guys in A Co, and all of 1-27, we love and miss you man. Brothers always
Samantha Dravis -US House of Representatives
May 27, 2006
This Memorial Day weekend, I'm reminded once again of the courage and selflessness my good friend Joe showed in the face of death. I've finally accepted that there aren't any words any of us can use to accurately describe the profound loss and gratitude we all feel after losing him.
Joe wouldn't have expected us to thank him, though, because that's just who he was--he stood up for what was right, and he was never afraid to fight for it. His sense of committment and responsibility at such a young age is something that I'm still in awe of. He's the epitome of a hero.
I'm fortunate now to live in our nation's capitol, and when I walk past the memorials and monuments, I always think of Joe. It's because of people like him that I'm able to enjoy them. I am confident that America will be a better place because of the sacrifices he made.
As always, my prayers and thoughts are in Kansas with Melaine and the rest of Joe's family. I sincerely hope that the way Joe lived his life and the honor he died with have brought them some comfort.
Tanya Caldwell
August 31, 2005
I did not know your son. I just wanted to say my prayers are with you and your family. May he rest in peace. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will join my wall of honor.
Kristy (Ebersole) Meierotto
August 3, 2005
Melanie: I came across a memorial page for service members and found Joe's name. I am sorry to say that I was not able to come to the service and that I am just now getting to his guestbook (though I kept up with pictures and articles)I hope you are doing better every day, though I'm sure it remains a constant healing process. I treasure the memories of the days at DHS and the wonderful person that Joe was, and the sweet person that you are. I wish nothing but the very best for your life; and am honored to have known you both. Thank God for the giving souls like Joe's.
Kristy Ebersole, former DHS teacher
Melaine Herndon
July 28, 2005
I just wanted to thank everyone that has helped myself and Joe and I's family over the last year. I can't believe it has allready been a year. The support from our friends and family and our community and even those nationwide has been amazing. Reading over all of these messages makes me so proud of him and miss him even more. Again thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I/we could have not made it through the last year without them. Please continue to keep all of our troops in your prayers as well. God Bless them and our great country.
Renae Wood
July 16, 2005
Joe was a great person, with a big heart, and will be missed.
Beth Gillespie
May 31, 2005
Mel - although I didn't call you this Memorial Day weekend - please know you and the family were in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very proud to say that my son, Andy, served side-by-side with Joe as brothers in the Army and know that you are always in my heart. I love you My Lil Angel....
Mac & Susan Orsbon
May 29, 2005
Spc. Herndon made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom and the freedom of unborn generations of Americans. Our family will honor his sacrifice and his memory on this and every Memorial Day and we will remember him in our prayers. Our prayers are also with his family.
Phyllis Elliot
September 13, 2004
I did not know Joseph but I would like to say thank you to his family for sharing him with all of us in America. He and his family are heros to all of us. May God give you peace and comfort in your memories of such a wonderful person. May Derby, KS never forget the Fallen.
Monica VanBenthuysen ( McCall)
August 26, 2004
I went to High School with Joe, I remember that he was an outgoing guy that did anything for anyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and all the other men and women over seas right now, or have pasted away fighting for our freedom. I am very proud of Joe for all of his courage and his families courage also. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Erin Villines
August 20, 2004
Melanie, I just wanted you to know that you are in Marc and I's thoughts everyday! We are so sorry for your loss. We love you!
Marc and Erin
andrew mchenry
August 17, 2004
I didnt get a chance to meet Joseph Herndon II, and I barely know you melanie. I offer the deepest condolence from my heart to you and the Herndon family during this time. I appreciate what Joseph did for our country.. I was planning on attending the service even though I didnt know him. unfortunatly I was on vacation with my family and I was unable to attend but I still keep you and the Herndon family in my thoughts and prayers. keep the peace. God Bless America your friend (andy mchenry)
Connie Anderson
August 12, 2004
I wanted to let you know you should be very proud of your Husband. He died knowing he was saving someone elses life. I don't know enough people on one hand that would do that for anyone they don't know. He has a special place in God's hand & will be thought of with pride, dignity, & respect in infamy. May God keep you close & care for you through this unbearable time. I wish you peace & luck always.
Sincerely,
Connie Anderson
Ben Nelson
August 11, 2004
While I wasn't good friends with Joe, I knew him well enough in high school to recognize that he was a good and caring person. Derby has lost one of its finest, and I wish the best to his family and friends as you all continue to grieve and recover in the wake of his untimely death. Losing a loved one is a terrible tragedy; be comforted knowing that the thoughts of many grateful people are with each of you as you cope with your loss.
Christy Hart (Foster)
August 9, 2004
Melaine,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Julie and Steve Ahlrichs
August 9, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Melanie, and your family! From the stories we've heard from my cousin Beth Gillespie and her son Andy Walker...Joe was a great great friend. We are sorry for your loss and pray for your strength. He was an honorable man!
Samantha Dravis
August 9, 2004
I will never forget the price my friend Joe paid for me and for everyone else in this country. He was one of the most outstanding people I ever knew, in so many ways. He will be greatly missed, and my prayers and thoughts are always with Melanie and the rest of Joe's family.
Beth Gillespie
August 9, 2004
Melanie, you and Joe have made and continue to make such a wonderful, positive impact on so many people. I regret that I never met Joe in person but through stories of Andy (Walker-Joe's "brother") and stories from you - I feel that I have known Joe a lifetime. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers and I am always here for you, "My Little Angel." Love you - Beth, Walker and families
Brandy Wallace (Roberts)
August 7, 2004
Melanie and family you are all in our prayers. Although I didn't know Joe that well I knew he made you happy and he will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts from Sears Portrait Studio.
Aaron Julius
August 7, 2004
Joe Herndon was a great guy, i remember going through elementery school with him and high school. Of all the people i went through highschool with i remember joe the most. He was a fair guy, respectable, and always honest. I knew him to always do the right thing. I will never forget such a friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
Lynn Selfridge
August 6, 2004
Dear Virginia and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe was such a super boy, and we will always remember him for the hero that he is.
With love,
Lynn and Brad Selfridge
Leslie and Jennifer
Ann Anderson
August 6, 2004
I didn't know Joe, but my son went to school with him. My son joined the Army in Sept. 2003 and will be going to Iraq in October. I'm very proud of the men and women that have gone to war to protect our country and freedom. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. God Bless Your Family.
Ann Huff-Anderson and Todd Anderson (Coy and Jake)
Sheila Mitchell
August 6, 2004
The family and friends of Joseph are in my thoughts and prayers. Love in Christ, Sheila
Haither (Green) Zaragoza
August 6, 2004
Joe and my sister were friends. That is how I knew him. He will be missed by all. I just want to say thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for my daughter and our country. Our prayers are with your family.
Ralph & Diane Sinnett
August 6, 2004
Melaine: Both Diane and I are sorry to hear of your loss. We have known you all of your life and must think that Joe was very special to have captured your heart. Though he is gone, he shall always be with you in spirit. We both admire Joe and thank him for his sacrifice in defense of our freedoms which we have today. God Bless you and your family.
Ralph and Diane.........
Beth Zabel
August 6, 2004
Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of Joseph Herndon. We love you.
Beth Zabel and family
Jonathan Knowles
August 6, 2004
I knew Joe through my sister Kristen Knowles. Although I did not know him well I do know that he will surely be missed. I was proud of Joe for serving his country, and for being a good friend to my family. My hopes and prayers go out to his family.
Jamie Young
August 6, 2004
Melanie ~ We are so sorry for your loss. I know how much you two had gone through and how much you loved one another. I remember taking pictures of of ya'll, and hearing about the great times you shared. We at Sears Portrait Studio have you in our prayers and hearts! We Love you!!
Rachel Miller
August 5, 2004
Melaine~
Hearing of Joe's passing was truly heartbreaking. I know how much you loved eachother and that there was no one better for the two of you than eachother. Skyler and I are very, very sorry for your loss. We're always here for you, anytime.
Erin Caskey
August 5, 2004
I knew Cindy from a high school group of friends. We all used to spend our summer's together at Cindy and Christina's houses partying and having fun. I didn't know Joe well, but he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to even meet him. God bless the Herndon family.
carol ysidro
August 5, 2004
Joe will truely be missed. How brave he was. The ultimate sacrifice. Only God knows why. We are honored to have known Joe and are very proud that he chose to serve our country during these tumultuous times. Our hearts are heavy with grief. May God bless us all and console you. Our sincerest sympathies. Love, Monte and Carol
LeAnna Ratzliff
August 5, 2004
Melanie and Herndon Family- My heart breaks for your loss. We can never understand why the good ones have to be taken so early. I know God has a plan- we just have to be faithful and follow it. Joe will forever be your guardian angel. He was such a nice guy, so humble and generous. I only had a few classes with him, but in a short time you knew he was genuine. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God strenghten and heal you..
Rodney & Sherry Nagel
August 5, 2004
To my dearest family, words cannot express the deepest sorrow I feel for our loss. Joe can and never will be forgotten. He will live in our hearts and minds. He paid the extreme price for all of our freedoms and that can never be repaid. May God comfort us and draw us near during this time of grieving. We love you all!
Ed & Kathy Brennan
August 5, 2004
Our hearts and prayers are with the Herndon Family. Joe was such a brave young man. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Aric Kroeker
August 5, 2004
Joe was one of the nicest guys I've ever met and I have a great deal of respect of him for the way he lived his life. I thank him for all he has done for our country and am deeply saddened by his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. God bless you all.
Tony White
August 5, 2004
I knew Joe through my son as they went through school together. He was always mature beyond his years, thoughtful, and considerate. He was a great friend to Adam, and his passing is a tremendous loss for his friends and family.
Bryan Crane
August 5, 2004
To the Family of Cpl Herndon. I want to say thank you for your son's participation in our current war. Only a truly dedicated man and soldier would accept the challenges of Iraq. Thank you for the dedication to his country. As a fellow Armed Forces member, I am truly sorry for your loss. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Kenneth Pinkham
August 5, 2004
Even though I did not know Joe really well, he was always someone with whom you could start a conversation. He genuinely cared about other people, and his happiness tended to rub off on others as well. Joe's sacrifice will never be forgotten. All of you are in my prayers.
Juli Fager
August 5, 2004
I have grown up with Joe since our days at Swaney Elementary. He was such a great guy! I have some great memories with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. I want to thank him for paying the ultimate price for our freedom!!
Rosie Durner
August 5, 2004
So sorry to hear about your loss, which we learned about through a mutual St. Louis friend. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Carol McCoy
August 5, 2004
Melanie, My love and prayers are constant for you. God bless you.
Sharmyn Calhoun
August 5, 2004
The Calhoun Family sends their sincerest sympathies to Melanie and the families. May God Bless you and hold you in your time of sadness. We must always remember Joe and the other soldiers and veterans that have paid the supreme price for the freedoms we enjoy in the USA - we owe much gratitude.
Ken, Pam & Cody Douglas
August 5, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Paula Chichester
August 5, 2004
I have known Joe since I was in the 6th grade. To me, Joe was always a nice guy with a good spirit who cared about others. I am thankful for his service to my country, and for using his life to give me freedom and I can never repay him for that gift. I pray that God will bless his family during this time...Thanks Joe!
Janet Miguel
August 5, 2004
I didn't know this young man but my prayers go out to his family and wife. The smile in his pictures tell the kind of person he was. May God Bless you all and Thanks Joe for all you did for our country. God Bless, Janet Miguel (Wichita, Ks.)
Jeana (Pulis) Bender
August 5, 2004
Dear Virginia & Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. While teaching with you at Munson, I remember you talking of your children lovingly so many times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and my gratitude with Joe for his bravery and service in defending this country. God bless and comfort you all.
Beverly Skiles
August 4, 2004
Joe sounded like such an awesome young man. I regret that I didn't have the chance to get to know him better. I know that he blessed many lives in his short life. He was a very brave, courageous young man and I know that his family is very proud of him. He will be greatly missed. My love and prayers go out to his family.
Julie Wells
August 4, 2004
Joe was an awesome guy and will be greatly missed!! I grew up going to school with Joe, and have so many happy memories with him! I will never forget driving down Rock Rd, and sitting next to Melaine and Joe at a stoplight. When I finally got Melanie's attention, she held up her new engagement ring and flashed me the biggest smile I have ever seen! That moment was priceless! Joe was truly one of a kind and I pray that God will comfort his family and friends during this difficult time! I will forever respect Joe for dying for his country...Thanks Joe!
Wendell Herndon
August 4, 2004
My family sends our deepest condolences to Joe's family. I wish that I had lived closer to Joe as he grew into manhood. He is the essence of bravery and heroism, and I am beholding to him for laying down is life for his country. It is truely an unfortunate loss of life.
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