Robert Hayden Herndon

Robert "Bob" Hayden Herndon, age 88, of Porterville, California, went home to be with the Lord on April 8, 2025, in Tulare, California. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mechanic, pastor, and friend, Bob's life was a testament to faith, service, ingenuity, and unshakable love for family and community. Born on May 4, 1936, in Cadiz, Kentucky, Bob was the eldest of eight children born to Robert Vernon Herndon and Mary Francis Herndon. His childhood was shaped by hard work and deep-rooted family values. As a young boy, he worked alongside his uncle Hayden crafting whiskey barrels for Jack Daniels and plowed tobacco fields with mule teams on his grandfather Jesse Sholer's farm. Even then, he was known for his remarkable ability to build and fix just about anything-a gift that would guide his life's path. After his father's return from serving as a Military Police officer in the U.S. Air Force, the family relocated to San Antonio, Texas. There, Bob piloted riverboats on the scenic San Antonio River-an early sign of the strong leadership and steady hand that would define him throughout life. At just 17, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Korean War at Camp Casey near Seoul, Korea, later being stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon his return to San Antonio in 1957, Bob's life changed forever when he met Juanita "Nita Jo" Ruth Reynolds through his sister Kay and brother-in-law Joe Acord. The two were married just three months later in Seguin, Texas, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and deep admiration. Bob and Nita made their home in California, first in Englewood and later in Torrance, where Bob worked as a mechanic before founding his own business, Herndon Auto Repair. It was during this time that he felt a higher calling. In 1965, during a service at Torrance Baptist Temple, Bob shared with the congregation that the Lord had called him to preach. That same year, his life was blessed with the birth of his son, Robert Hayden Herndon II. He pursued theological studies at Pacific Coast Bible Baptist College and was eventually ordained as the Lead Pastor of MacFarland Bible Baptist Church in MacFarland, California. In 1973, the Herndon family moved to Porterville, California, where Bob balanced his roles as both Lead Pastor of Porterville Bible Baptist Church and manager of the auto body shop at Mearl Stone Chevrolet in Tulare. Eventually, Bob retired from formal church leadership but never stopped serving. He reopened Herndon Auto Repair-this time in a shop he personally built on the property behind his home-continuing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends with the same passion and integrity he brought to the pulpit. That same year, Bob encouraged Nita-whose musical talent had been a blessing to countless worship services during his years as a pastor-to begin writing her own songs and record an album. That vision became a reality with the release of You Can't Outfox a Fox, a project Bob was incredibly proud of, not just for its musical craftsmanship, but for the powerful message it conveyed. While continuing to run his auto repair shop, Bob helped Nita form the E-Z River Band and went on to establish Herndon Music Co. and Wild Rose Records. He stepped in as the band's manager, taking care of bookings, copyrights, licensing, promotions, and all the music equipment-doing everything he could to support Nita's journey and ensuring that her music could reach the world. In 1992, Bob began a new chapter as an Auto Body Instructor at Woodlake High School. There, he mentored students-many of whom others had given up on. Through his steady guidance, Bob taught far more than auto repair; he taught dignity, work ethic, and self-worth. His impact extended across multiple schools in the region until his retirement in 2015. Bob found joy in life's simple pleasures-taking drives through the country, coffee stops at corner stores, and quiet moments with his beloved Nita. Even after his diagnosis of dementia in 2023, Bob's spirit remained undiminished. He leaned on Nita, who understood his heart and words even when he couldn't find them himself. Their love continued to shine as a beautiful example of commitment and grace. Bob was a mastermind in the truest sense-gifted, inventive, and full of humor. His laugh was infectious, his jokes unforgettable, and his presence a blessing to everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students he guided, the congregation he shepherded, and the family he adored. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Vernon and Mary Francis Herndon; his brothers Jerry, Don, and Jamie; his sisters Kay and Sandra; and his beloved son, Robert Hayden Herndon II. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Juanita "Nita Jo" Ruth Herndon; his grandsons Robert Michael Herndon, Marc Von Herndon, and Quinten Alexander Herndon; his daughters by choice, Tammy Craig, Mary Robie, and Tameka Quintana; his brother, Nick Herndon; his sister, Joy Herndon; sisters-in-law, Glenda Herndon and Patty Herndon; his niece, Rose Bonnell; and a multitude of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends whose names are too numerous to list, but whose memories and impact will never be forgotten. A remarkable and incredible man-Bob Herndon will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy of faith, steadfastness, and determination will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Robert Hayden Herndon

May 4, 1936 - April 8, 2025