Willard Keith Herron was born January 26, 1933 in rural Rock Port, Missouri, the son of Ross and Cecile (Fischer) Herron. He received his early education in the Lone Cedar and Opp Country Schools and graduated in 1951 from Rock Port High School.

He farmed with his parents and then entered the United States Army in 1953, proudly serving his country overseas during the Korean Conflict. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1955, Willard returned to Rock Port to farm with his family.

On March 20, 1955, Willard was united in marriage to Louise Staashelm in Rock Port. They made their home on their farm north of Rock Port where Willard continued his lifelong career, farming with his brothers, Marvin and Gene. He loved farming, taking care of his cows, mowing the yard and riding the 4-wheeler. He loved to travel, as he and Louise would hook up the 5th wheel and take many camping trips, and also travel to Branson to see many shows. His beloved dog, Katie Beth, liked to travel with them.

Willard loved his church. He was a hard working member of the First Lutheran Church in Rock Port where he enjoyed ushering and had served on the church council. One of his highlights was providing the hay rides every fall for everyone to enjoy.

Due to complications from a stroke, Willard became a resident of Pleasant View in Rock Port in March of 2007, where he passed away December 5, 2007 at the age of 74 years.

He is survived by his wife, Louise of their home north of Rock Port; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Marvin and Karen Herron and Gene and Kathy Herron, all of Rock Port; sister Dollie Mae Herron of Tarkio, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews; and niece Valerie Duncan who was always there to help them at any time; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Otto and Darlene Staashelm.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Cecile.

The farm scene inside the casket was designed and sewn by his niece Valerie Duncan as a special tribute.

Services: Saturday, December 8, 2007, 2:00 pm, First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, MO.
Interment: Grange Hall Cemetery, Rock Port, MO.
There is no scheduled family visitation.
Memorials: Pleasant View Nursing Home, Grange Hall Cemetery or the Atchison County First Responders.
Military Rites are under the auspices of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49.
Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapels, Rock Port, MO