John Herndon

John Lucian Herndon, 76, of Bessemer passed away on April 18, 2020. He was born on November 9, 1943 and was raised in Blountsville, Alabama. He made a career in the US Navy, served his country in the Vietnam War and retired after 20 years of service. He went on to spend 14 years as the captain of an ocean-going tug boat and was able to visit many countries and see many incredible sights. Upon retirement, he and his wife hit the road with their RV touring the United States including Alaska. He was an active member in the Flint Hill Masonic Lodge for many years and he also had the privilege of serving as Worshipful Master for his lodge. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Purnia Herndon, his brothers Bill Herndon and Irvin Herndon and sisters Linda Owen and Peggy Nabors. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ward Herndon; daughters Jonna Burgess(Littleton, CO), Kristie Herndon(Los Angeles, CA), Luciana Herndon(Bessemer, AL), Rhonda Hereford Bell(Bryan)(Alpharetta, GA) and son David Hereford(Rhonda)(Mc Calla, AL); grandchildren Cody Burgess, Jeremy Hereford, Alyssa McKoy(Joshua), Jana Sims(Steven) and Casey Bell; great grandchildren Jaxon and Cambrey Carpenter; brother Ellis Herndon and sisters Geraldine Whitfield and Brenda Herndon; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Due to the CoVid-19 restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held with a celebration of his life planned for a later date.