William Delbert Herndon, born on June 5, 1920 in Ash Grove, Missouri, to the parents of Leonard and Mary Amanda. He moved to Springfield in 1924. He attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO from 1937-38. He joined the Enlisted Reserve Core on March 20, 1940 were he completed basic training and served for two additional years. He was stationed at the Jefferson Barracks located outside of St. Louis, MO. During November 1942-March 1943 he was promoted from Private to Staff Sergeant within three months. He retired from the Army as a Military Police Officer in 1946.
Delbert moved to Coffeyville, KS in 1944 and married his first wife Leola Caliman and had 2 children, Ronnie and Virginia Ann. Years later he moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he later met and married Etta Mae Reed. They had 3 children, Mary, Sharon and Jeff.
He retired from the Southwest Waste Water Treatment Plant after 25 years and he was a member of Washington Ave. Baptist Church for over 70 years.
He was very active in several local military and community organizations, such as;
He enjoyed reading the Bible and taking pictures all the time. He never left his house without his camera. He was quick to sing you a song, recite you a poem or give you a piece of candy. He had a wonderful sense of humor and great sports enthusiast. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Delbert was known for being generous with his time as he visited many friends and church family in nursing homes and hospitals. And was known to light up a room with his personality and charm.
Delbert passed on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014. He leaves behind his children and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces,nephews and friends.