Beverly Allen Herndon, Jr., 85, Springfield, died December 8 at St. John's Hospital. He was born on January 21, 1926, in Springfield, MO, the son of Beverly Allen and Mamie Irene Herndon. As a boy he was active in Scouting and attained the rank of Life Scout and Junior Assistant Scout Master of Troop 21 - the only Scout troop that owned its own building and land. He graduated from Springfield Senior High School in Springfield in 1944. His mother picked up his high school diploma since he was inducted in April into the U.S. Marine Corps. He served during World War II as an aerial radio operator in the 4th Marine Air Wing in the South Pacific. On June 7, 1947, he married Viola Mae Jenkins. She survives, of the home. Other survivors include daughters Sandra (husband John) Mason, Mt. Vernon; Susan Holland, Republic; Sharon Graham, Lawrence, KS; grandchildren Robert Lamb, San Antonio, TX; Katharine Holland, Lawrence, KS; Mike Mason, Dillingham, AK; David Mason, Springfield; and great grandson Alexander Mason, McKinney, TX. In 1952 Bev graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Architecture. He practiced as an architect in Springfield for 36 years, including 16 years as Coordinator of Planning and Construction for the Springfield R-12 School District. He and Viola retired in 1988 and enjoyed traveling, their family, and, in recent years, Bev became interested in genealogy. His great grandparents settled in Springfield in 1855 from Virginia. His great aunt, Della Mae Herndon, married Bruce Campbell, the great nephew of John Polk Campbell who founded Springfield. Bev was a member of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and past member of the A.I.A., South Side Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge #409, Gate of the Temple Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Joplin, and the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ozarks Honor Flight, which Bev participated in in 2010. Donations may be sent to KY3 in care of the Honor Flight, P.O. Box 3500, Springfield, MO 65808.
