Lawrence Herron

Lawrence Anson (Larry) Herron died on May 31, 2019 of Parkinson’s related complications.

 He was born in Norman, Oklahoma on January 29, 1934 and was the youngest child of Forrest Herron Sr and Grethel Cir Froney (Van Bibber) Herron.  His siblings were Lewis, Ethyl (Miley), Forrest Jr, Irene, and Marcus Herron all now deceased.

On December 22, 1956 he was married to Carole Ann (Sherman) and are blessed with children Mark (Bonnie Herron), Patricia Ghani (Aziz Ghani), Beth Leach (Randy Leach), and Kimberly Watkins (Rob Watkins).   Seven grandchildren: Jonathan and Christina Herron, Shefah AbuRumman, Mindy Whiddon, Sara Marr, Ryan and Megan Watkins.   Five great grandchildren: Harley, Harper, and, Harlo Whiddon, and Raelynn and Paisley Marr.

Lawrence was active duty in the US Air Force as an Airman 1/C Photographer during the Korean War.  He completed Aviation Cadet training in 1955 obtaining his pilot’s license.  Lawrence attended Oklahoma University graduating in 1959 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  In 1962 Lawrence took a job with NASA in flight research at Lewis Research Center.  In 1967 he was selected to attend the Flight Test Pilot Course at Edwards AFB as a prerequisite to employment with the Federal Aviation Authority (Administration). Lawrence was with the FAA for 36½ years in various test pilot and management positions retiring in 1993 as Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office. Lawrence served for 21 years as a pilot for the National Guard and the Air Force reserve.  He piloted over 40 aircraft types from fighters to transports, to civilian aircraft. 

Lawrence was an Eagle Scout and supported Scouting as an adult leader in various troop positions for several years.

Lawrence had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was a committed Christian who studied the Word and worked to be an example to others. He served in many position at the Golden Plains FMC along with various committees for the FMC Conference.

He is remembered as a devoted, kind, and loving husband and father and a gentle soul.

Visitation with the family will be at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.  on Friday, June 7.

 The funeral will be at the Golden Plains Free Methodist Church, 224 NW 60^th, Newton KS at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 8 with burial after the service at the Restlawn Gardens of Memory outside of Newton.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Golden Plains Free Methodist Church or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Contributions may be sent to the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, KS.