Chesley Coleman Herndon

On July 2, 1949, Ches married Sarah Rose Ann Evans, his eternal love, lifelong companion, and best friend. He graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1944, joined Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Texas University, and graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1948 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He worked as a Trainee and Landman with Carter Oil Company 1948-1950, and then earned a Master's Degree in Geology from the University of Michigan, graduating in 1952. From 1952-1973 Ches worked as Geologist, District Geologist, and Division Staff Assistant with Carter Oil Company, Kirby Petroleum Co., and Skelly Oil Company. Then in 1973 he ventured forth as an Independent Consulting Geologist, and enjoyed a career in oil and gas exploration until his death.

Ches was president of CRAMJAC, Inc., a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon Honorary Geology Society at the University of Michigan. He was also a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Oklahoma City Geological Society. He was a certified member of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists and the A.A.P.G. Division of Professional Affairs, and a Registered Geologist in Arkansas and Indiana. He also was a Registered Geologist in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, as well as the Republican County Chairman from 1968-69 for Midland County, Texas. He was Church School Superintendent at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Midland, Texas, and he taught Sunday School in Midland and, in former times, at his All Souls' Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City. He camped, canoed, and fished with the family through much of the United States. He was a Regent of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 1995-2002. History hobbyist, family researcher, and historian,Ches loved books, music, travel, and family. He embraced life with humor and vigor. Being a man of many interests, Ches was never bored.

His sibling survivors include his brother Tom Herndon and his wife Jane, his sister Frances Herndon Chandler, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his sisters Alta Ethel Herndon and Gertrude Herndon Martin and her husband Villard Martin, Jr. He is survived by his blessed wife Roseann and by his children and grandchildren Chesley Coleman Herndon Jr. of Guam, Mary Jane and Dr. Ransom Kilgore and Evan, Christian, Chesley, and Kendall Kilgore of Wichita, Kansas, Dr. James Noel and Marcie Herndon and Noel, Matthew, and Anna Herndon of Washington, Oklahoma, and by Anne Elizabeth and Jeff Cloninger and Katherine, Caroline, and Elizabeth Cloninger of Palm Beach, Florida and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Reynolds and his dedicated staff and the Mercy I.C.U. staff for their loving and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 pm at All Souls Episcopal Church. Honorary pall bearers are family members: Dr. Ransom Kilgore, Jeff and Gene Cloninger, Frank and Chip Keating, Ryan Leonard, Evan and Christian Kilgore, Noel and Matthew Herndon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Souls Episcopal Church.