Robert Kent Herron's Obituary
Robert Herron Obituary
Lieutenant Robert Kane Herron Sr., affectionately known as "RK"; and professionally as "Bob" by his co-workers and close friends; was born co the union of Etta and John Herron on February 8, 1932, in McAdams, MS. He was the fifth born of seven children.
Robert was raised in Biloxi, MS; and accepted Christ at the early age of eight. He attended Biloxi High School in Biloxi, MS. In 1959, Robert and his family relocated to Chicago, before seeding in Markham, IL, where he became a devoted member of Greater St. John Baptist Church since 1963-
Robert worked for Rudenberg Construction Company, specializing in masonry, for over 30 years. While living in Markham, he witnessed many homes in his community being destroyed by fires. In approximately 1963, he joined other community members as a volunteer firefighter for Markham Fire Department. Robert later earned a promotion co Lieutenant and retired after serving for 13years while maintaining his full-time construction job until the company closed.
remembered by all whom knew him.
Lieutenant Robert Kane Herron Sr., was preceded in death by his mother and father: Etta Teague-Herron and John Herron; his brothers: Ozzie, Frank, and Mack; his sisters: Lena Mae and Red1a; daughter, Valerie Sanders; and niece, Tanya Sanders.
Robert leaves to cherished memo1ies to: his sister, Mae Effie Beny; his children: Linda (Milton) Coley, Sandra Herron, Debra Herron-Phillips, and Robert (Tashiana) Herron,Jr; his grandchildren: Dewan McGowan, Levar (Qiana) Sanders, Jayson Coley, Michelle (Frank) Thompson, Mikel (Tequila) McGowan, Sheree Coley, Stephanie Coley, Kaylynn Phillips, Isaiah Herron, Maiyah Phillips, Jayda Phillips, Kyra Phillips, and Nya Phillips; his great great-great grandchildren; his special, and long-time friend, Delores Manson (The Manson Children); his God daughters: Keesha and Devon; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Robert became an entrepreneur, offering masonry services such as building fireplaces and sidewalls for the City of Markham, and its residents. Around 1981, he founded Herron Tire Repair Company, which worked closely with the City of Markham. "Mr. Bob," continued serving as a consultant until his retirement in 2015 at the age of 83.
Robert strongly valued education; he frequently donated money to help children in the community pursue their studies. During the Civil Rights era, he played an active role in organizing community activities, including "field parties," where he and other men would clean fields, set up lights, and provide food and music for the community.
Robert also had a passion for hunting, fishing, and traveling and a deep love for Southern cuisine, (especially chitterlings, catfish, and peach cobbler), which reminded him of his Mississippi roots. Additionally, Robert was a dedicated member of the 16500-16600 Wolcott Block Club and the Markham American Legion Post. He was a loving father, brother, grandfather, hero, mentor, and friend whose legacy will be
remembered by all whom knew him.
Lieutenant Robert Kane Herron Sr., was preceded in death by his mother and father: Etta Teague-Herron and John Herron; his brothers: Ozzie, Frank, and Mack; his sisters: Lena Mae and Retha; daughter, Valerie Sanders; and niece, Tanya Sanders.
Robert leaves to cherish his memory to his sister, Mae Effie Beny; his children: Linda (Milton) Coley, Sandra Herron, Debra Herron-Phillips, and Robert (Tashiana) Herron,Jr; his grandchildren: Dewan McGowan, Levar (Qiana) Sanders, Jayson Coley, Michelle (Frank) Thompson, Mikel (Tequila) McGowan, Sheree Coley, Stephanie Coley, Kaylynn Phillips, Isaiah Herron, Maiyah Phillips, Jayda Phillips, Kyra Phillips, and Nya Phillips; his great great-great grandchildren; his special, and long-time friend, Delores Manson (The Manson Children); his God daughters: Keesha and Devon; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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