David Ray Herd

David Ray Herd, of Branson, MO, passed from this life on Monday evening, August 25, 2025, at the Point Lookout Nursing Home in Hollister, MO. He was 86 years of age. David was born August 24, 1939, at Wildhorse, OK to David Albert and Doris (Mears) Herd. He attended school in Hominy, graduating high school here, where he was involved with wrestling and track. David enlisted in the US Army National Guard, honorably serving from 1957 to 1960. He also continued his education at Central State University at Edmond where he received his bachelor's degree in secondary education. His first teaching position was in Kansas where he taught English, before being hired as an English Teacher for Pawhuska Public Schools. On March 23, 1963, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Stanton at the First Baptist Church in Wynona, OK. They had met at the Wynona Café, when she ask him for a quarter for the jukebox. Together they raised two children. As an English teacher, he was fond of poems by Robert Frost, especially "Birches".

David was a man of faith, knowing Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was also a man of kindness and compassion. David also enjoyed leatherworking, saddle making, working on cars, carpentry and coon hunting. A man of ingenuity, he could fix most anything. He loved music and playing his guitar and was protective of his family. Losing his wife of 51 years, followed by a battle with Parkinson's and dementia took its toll on him the past eleven years.

Those that survive and hold many cherished memories include his children - Frank David Herd and wife Heather and Donna Rae Gertson and husband Todd. Also surviving are grandchildren Megan (Gertson) Hartley and husband Colt, Jesse Herd, Jacob Herd and Frank Herd, Jr.; two great grandchildren Clayton and Collin Hartley. David was preceded in death by his wife Barbara on Sept. 24, 2014, a brother Jesse Herd and a sister Kathy Adrean.

A visitation for David will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 3pm - 6pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Hominy, OK. Graveside services will be Wednesday Sept. 3rd at 1:00 pm at the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery, Hominy, OK.