Walter Lewis Herrin

Walter Lewis Herrin, Jr. passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020, at the age of 95. He was born January 24, 1925, in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Walter Lewis Herrin, Sr. and Amy Genevieve Presson-Herrin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 15, from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at Whitt Funeral Home. A private family graveside service is scheduled with Rev. Arnold Nelson officiating assisted by Rev. Jeffery Hemphill. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.

Walter was an educator/administrator in the Duncan Public School System for over 30 years before retired in 1985. He also served as principal of the middle school in Eloy, Arizona from 1966-1967. A World War II veteran, Walter served in the US Navy from July 1943 to April 1946 much of that time in the Pacific Theater. Upon completion of his military service, he attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Education and later earned his Master’s degree in Administration. On June 13, 1948 Walter married Carolyn Louise Cross in Wewoka, Oklahoma.

Walter was a member of the First Christian Church. He had been a member of the Chisholm Trail Kiwanis Club and had served on the Stephens County Youth Services Board for many years.

Walter enjoyed fishing, especially on the White River. His hobbies also include gardening, traveling, and woodworking. Walter loved making toys for his grandchildren. He was well known for his biscotti and his “peppermint ministry” and will be missed by many (especially his dentist).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; infant son, Richard Keith; daughter, Patricia Susan Newman; parents, Walter Sr. and Genevieve Herrin; and brother, Richard Herrin.

Walter is survived by his children: Tom Herrin and wife Alexia of Lindsay, Nancy Hemphill and husband Mahlon of Duncan; son-in-law, Bob Newman of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Jennifer Postlethwaite and husband Jeff of Edmond, Dr. Brian Herrin and fiancé Dr. Livvy Jones of Manhattan, Kansas, Dr. Michael Hemphill and wife Emily of Duncan, Jeffery Hemphill and wife Ginny Ann of Oklahoma City, Lydia Guzman and husband Sal of Garland, Texas, Robert Newman and wife Aimee of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Eva Jane Postlethwaite, Hank Hemphill, Pierce Hemphill, Sarah Carolyn Hemphill, Benjamin Hemphill, Allyson Guzman, Nikki Newman, Joshua Newman; brother, Charles Herrin of Birmingham, Alabama; sister: Joann and husband Bill Smith of Richardson, Texas; and cousins: Frank and Terry Presson.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Chisholm Trail Hospice, c/o DRH Health Foundation, PO Box 2000, Duncan, OK 73534.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.
 

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