Kendall “Red” Herron

Kendall “Red” Herron passed away December 14, 2022 at the age of 96.  He is survived by his daughter Patricia, son Tim, son-in-law Eric Spadaro, granddaughters Paige and Emily, grandson Austin, great-grandson, Stephen Jr. and brother George [Gail] Herron. Kendall’s wife, Lenore, passed away in 2020 and his second daughter, Linda in 2014.

Kendall was born in Cleveland, Ohio October 1926 to his parents George and Alta Herron.  He was raised in Willoughby, Ohio where he spent most of his formative years.  Kendall graduated from Willoughby High School in 1944 where he played and excelled in football.  Kendall was  recruited and accepted to the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team by Coach Paul Brown.  Kendall played center and lettered as freshman on the 1944 team.  The young, but talented team went undefeated that year and was known for Heisman Trophy winner, Les Horvath.  In 1945, Kendall was drafted in the United States Army where he served in Korea until 1947. Upon completion of his military service, Kendall attended Case Institute of Technology where he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  Kendall was recruited to join the Baltimore Colts football team after college but declined the offer and pursued a long and successful career in the aluminum die-casting industry, retiring after more than 50 years of employment. 

In 1949, Kendall met his wife, Lenore, while ice skating at the  Cleveland Arena.  Kendall and Lenore were married in November 1950 during the Great Thanksgiving Snowstorm of 1950.  Their wedding was delayed due to the storm. Kendall and Lenore raised their 3 children in Solon, Ohio until 1979 when they moved to Loveland, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati.

Kendall and Lenore enjoyed 70 years of marriage together.  They were best friends and were both avid golfers.  They enjoyed many trips playing golf together from North Carolina to California, Maui, Scotland, Ireland and England.  Despite the occasional disappointing round,  all was forgotten on the “19thhole” where they enjoyed their ritual gin & tonic.  Kendall and Lenore were loyal Ohio State fans and were season ticket holders for over 50 years, enjoying  many tailgate gatherings with friends and family. 

In addition to being a born athlete, Kendall was a talented musician who taught himself how to play the ukulele, piano and trombone.  Kendall was the center of every party and upon bringing out his ukulele, everyone would join in a sing-a-long with joyous songs from the early 1900’s. While living in Cincinnati, Kendall joined an amateur, retiree Dixieland band called the “Dixieland Domes,” named after the mostly bald state of its members.  

Kendall had a wonderful sense of humor that made everyone feel at ease.  As one of Kendall’s long-time college friends once said, Kendall was “Mr. Fun” and without effort, was the hit of every party.   Kendall’s warmth, kindness and “heart of gold” were apparent to all those who knew him well.  Kendall will be dearly missed by friends, family and all those fortunate enough to meet him.
Private family services to be held.
Arrangements are entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.
Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Kendall's family at davidfkoch.com

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