Superintendent Robert E. Herron, Sr.

Robert Earl Herron Sr., born February 8, 1931, to Vester and Lizzie Herron. He lived in a household with six brothers and three sisters. Born in the south and while working with his grandfather on his farm, he developed a great work ethic.

As a young man, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served our country well. Corporal Herron fought in The Korean War, many lives were lost, he returned to Tennessee unharmed. In April 1954 life changed for Robert and he married his dearest wife, Tennie Louise Lusby. Shortly after they married, they moved to Mishawaka and later relocated to South Bend, IN., settling into what became a wonderful life. With this union they expanded their family by adding eight children and MaLizzie.

His hard work ethic never wavered; He worked two jobs to provide for his family. Robert continued his education by attending Ivy Tech earning a certificate as a Diesel Mechanic. He became the head mechanic eventually retiring from International Harvest Trucks (now known as Selking International). Robert and Tennie both shared the same passion, serving others. They loved people and opened their home to many. Robert Earl loved serving God. In 1956, he accepted Christ in his life under the leadership of Elder Woods. He later joined Mount Zion COGIC, Buchanan, MI, under the direction of Elder Burton. His brother The Late Superintendent James Herron Sr. later became the Pastor. Robert worked in various capacities including Sunday School Teacher, YPWW Teacher/President, and a Deacon for over 30 years. God had a higher calling on his life. He was ordained in 1989 by Bishop Nathaniel Wells of Western Michigan Jurisdiction. He loved talking about God’s word. In the spring and summer months, you could find him sitting in the yard, reading his bible. In 1990 he founded Revelation Church of God in Christ, in South Bend, IN. Pastor Herron’s work poured into the community, receiving acknowledgments including a street named in his honor. Pastor loved gardening and fixing things. He founded The Neighborhood Garden Program in South Bend, IN. The late Bishop Milton Hall Sr. in 2005 then appointed Pastor Herron, Superintendent of the RO Hatcher District. Superintendent Herron was appointed to the Executive Board and Administrative Assistant to Bishop Mark H. Blade, Prelate of the Historic Indiana First Jurisdiction. More importantly, he enjoyed family. The little ones really tugged at his heart. They received small tokens of love like Oreos, Little Debbie’s snack cakes, and Chips Ahoy cookies.

Those surviving to cherish these fond memories are eight children, five sons; Robert (Pamela) Herron Jr., Larry Herron, David (Carla) Herron Sr., all of South Bend, IN; Dennis Herron of Blaine, MN, Gary (Ngaluahoe) Herron of Westfield, IN; three daughters, Betty Herron, Deborah Barr, Patricia Herron all of South Bend, IN; Thirty-two grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. One sister, Missionary Claudine Taborn, two brothers Ernest Herron Sr. and Jimmie (Darlene) Herron all of South Bend, IN. Preceeding him in death, His dearest wife of 67 years, First Lady Tennie Louise Herron, His parents Vester and Lizzie Herron, sisters, Jesse Rene (Dobbie) Fountain and Tinnie Herron Rhodes, brothers, Pastor Arzo Herron, Superintendent James Herron Sr., Sylvester Herron, and Pastor Johnnie Herron Sr. His beloved grandson DeShawn (Tweasel) Selmon. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Superintendent Robert E. Herron, Sr., please visit our floral store.