Robert Marion Herndon, age 91, passed away on September 13, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on September 22, 1934, in Western Nebraska, the son of William E. and Constante H. Herndon (nee McCune). A man of steady devotion and tireless work ethic, Robert built a life defined by faithful service to his family, his country, his church, and his community.
Robert graduated from Hebron High School in Hebron, Nebraska, in 1952, and later earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from IPFW in 1977—an achievement that reflected his perseverance and commitment to providing for those he loved.
A proud Air Force Veteran, Robert served during the Korean War from September 1952 until September 1956, earning a Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medal and he continued his service in the reserves. His sense of duty carried into his professional life as well, where he worked as a logistic engineer at Magnavox for 29 years before retiring in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of reliability, diligence, and quiet strength.
Robert was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church and have been attending Covenant United Methodist Church for several years. He also gave generously of his time as a 20-year member of the Shoaff Park Lions Club, volunteering for many years with the Lions during the Johnny Appleseed Festival—service offered not for recognition, but because it was simply the right thing to do.
In his quieter moments, Robert enjoyed watching old west shows on Grit TV and was an avid Nebraska University football fan. Yet, above all else, his greatest joy was time with family—especially the grandchildren—where his steadfast love was most clearly seen.
Robert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy A. Herndon; children, Cheri R. (Rick) Erickson, both of Fort Wayne, IN; Mark E. (Carol) Herndon of South Haven, MI; Phil E. (Gabriela) Herndon of Windsor Mills, MD; brother Reuben D. (Susan) Herndon of CA; grandchildren, Lindsey (Justin), Jennifer, Daniel (Justine), Derick, Elizabeth (Greg), Andrew (Audra), great grandchildren, Lydia, Liam, Kamden, Lilie, Logan, Evelyn, Torin, Aristotle, Arthur, Lachlan, Atticus, Aella and two great great grandchildren, Kaine, Declan. He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia C. (James) Magner, Jane M. (Crit) Taylor, Alberta (Edwin) Stauber, Anna L. (Edward) Loyd, Beatrice (Duane) Whitten, Esther L. (Paul) Burklund, Ruth E. (William) Merriam, Joan (Glen) Tippery; brother, Wm Charles (Doris) Herndon; and a great granddaughter, Kiera E. Zepke.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm Friday September 25, 2026, at Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation one hour prior.
Visitation also from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday, September 24, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN.
Committal and entombment will be at Covington Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Memorials may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church.
