FRANKLIN
Donald “Don” Wayne Herron, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2022, at the age of 76. Born in Columbus, Indiana, on February 25, 1946, Don was the son of Marjorie (Griffith) Herron and Virgil Herron.
In 1964, Don graduated from Hauser High School where he played basketball, baseball, and ran cross country and track. He held scoring records in basketball and shot put for over 25 years. After he graduated, he was invited to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies minor league team as a pitcher. He continued to enjoy sports long after high school. He played slow-pitch softball for many years and loved the camaraderie of his teammates. He was also a long-time member of Otter Creek Golf Course and was an assistant golf coach at Columbus North High School for several years during the 2000’s. He treasured golf and could often be found playing after work and with his sons and friends – no matter the weather.
Don began working at Cummins in 1965 in the main plant on the machining line. During his 37 years with Cummins, he moved to Chicago and Atlanta in sales and service roles before returning to Columbus for the remainder of his career. He retired in 2001 as the Director of Customer Experience and Corporate Events. During his long tenure, he particularly enjoyed hosting clients at the Ryder Cup, the Indy 500, the Kentucky Derby, the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick Country Club, and various golf trips. He continued to work with Cummins clients and special projects as a consultant after his retirement.
Don was a survivor of throat cancer in 1990 and two massive strokes in 2008. His medical conditions changed his life dramatically, but Don fought through the adversity. He took each day as it came and remained positive throughout his long battle. He greeted everyone with a smile and cherished his time with family, friends, and grandchildren. He spent many hours watching sports on television with his dog, Jake, snuggled on his lap. His quick wit and sense of humor shined through until the end.
Don is survived by his two sons: Mike (Amy) Herron of Greenwood and Matt (Tobi) Herron of Columbus; three grandchildren: Grant, Madison, and Owen Herron; and significant other: Janet Smith of Columbus.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Virgil and Marjorie Herron; his sister and brother-in-law: Roberta Anderson and Marian Anderson; and his wife: Vicky (Sprouls) Herron.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday July 20, 2022 at the Jewel-Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus. Don will be laid to rest at Garland Brook Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be immediately before services Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Don’s memory to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Hauser Athletics would be appreciated. Donations may be made thru the funeral home or by contacting the organizations directly. Hauser Athletics Director Tyler Phillips is reachable at [email protected].
You are invited to leave a message for the family via the internet.
www.jewellrittman.com
