John Allen Herndon

John Allen Herndon, 90

John Allen Herndon, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at his home in Durant, Florida.

He was born on June 13, 1932, in Midland City, Alabama and was the fifth child of Connie Lee and Johnnie Ethel Herndon. His siblings were Leon, Martha Grace, Roy Lee, Mildred, Delores, and Carlton who are deceased and Billy Joel, Shelby Jean, and Judy Carol who are still living.

John was very musical and enjoyed playing the piano and singing. His family was his life and he always enjoyed cooking Sunday Dinners with his family and friends. He always stayed busy doing carpentry work and taking care of his yard and home.

His family nicknamed him “Papa John”, which is how his friends and neighbors greeted him, but his grandchildren called him “Papa”.

John Allen and his family moved to Florida where he met the love of his life, Nova Jean Jones and they were married in Frostproof, Florida on December 8, 1950. They were married for 69 years until her passing in 2014. They have four children – Donna (Grady) Respress, Gail (Johnny) Raburn, Jan (Gary) Stallings, and John Allen (Elaina) Herndon, II.

They have eight grandchildren, Angela (Kelly) Galati, Leon (Nina) Respress, John Michael (Heather) Raburn, Ryan (Suzanne) Raburn, Shelly Lynn Stallings, and Jennifer (David) Wojciechowicz, Olivia Peck and Devon Peck; fourteen greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the funeral service 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2023, at Clair Mel Assembly of God, 2415 South 78 ^th Street, Tampa, FL 33619. The burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be made to Clair Mel Assembly of God (2415 South 78 ^th Street, Tampa, Florida 33619).

Condolences can be sent to the family and the webcast of the service can be viewed at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com or facebooklive@clairmelfirstassembly.