Thomas “Bruce” Herndon, 88, of Lake Tapawingo, MO, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 18, 2020. He was born January 13, 1932 in Blue Springs, MO to John William Herndon and Alla “Marie” (Reynolds) Herndon.
Bruce graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1950, attended college for one year, then entered the Army. After the service, he received a BS in Agriculture from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
He was a workaholic from a young age. His first job was delivering newspapers by bike, then a soda jerk at Lowe’s Drugstore, a waiter at Stephenson’s Restaurant as well as working with his father in the Herndon Trucking Company. He owned and managed the 707 Truck Stop Restaurant at the intersection of I-70 and 7 Highway in Blue Springs as the interstate highway was being completed in 1965. He may be best known for his job as food director for the Blue Springs School District, providing numerous banquets for many school and civic organizations.
Daddy Bruce was one of a kind. Consistently unfiltered, usually silly, ever the character, tight with a dollar, but always showed an abundance of love thorough his actions. He was happiest when doing for others.
He married Billee Lue Rigg on December 28, 1951, having been smitten with each other since the age of 12. In addition to Billee, survivors include three children: Tom Herndon and wife, Cathy of Blue Springs, David Herndon and wife, Marjorie of Independence, and Kathleen Morgason and husband, Bill of Lake Tapawingo, MO; a brother, John David Herndon and wife, Yong of Lee’s Summit; five grandchildren: TJ Herndon (Jennifer), Tyler Herndon (Christina), Nisha Gaffney (Michael), Todd Morgason and Traci Jenson (Matt); great grandchildren: Rylan Thomas Herndon, Adalynn Herndon, Theodore Gaffney, Luke Jensen, Maria Jensen, and Andres Jensen. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Marie Elizabeth “Libby” Herndon and a brother, William Reynolds Herndon.
Private graveside services will be held at Blue Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to:
Blue Springs Education Foundation
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, MO 64015
Or online, https://bluesprings.revtrak.net/blue-springs-education-foundation/
Please note “Bruce Herndon” on check or online to be earmarked for the BSEF
Food for Thought program (meal assistance for students in need who do not qualify for government funding).
The family’s heartfelt appreciation goes to the staff of Ascend Hospice of Lee’s Summit.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Bruce and condolences may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Sorry for your loss. I worked for Bruce at 707 for a number of years. He was always fair and easy to work for. C.J. Layman
Bruce was a terrific guy and a good example of how to live life. He will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry for your loss he was a fabulous man sure miss talking to him my prayers are with Billie and his family
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed talking with Bruce, he was so full of life and a true gentleman. He will be truly missed.
You were a very special person
A very good and caring boss and a great friend
Will you
MY PRAYERS out for your wonderful family RIP
Thanks for being a special person to me
ENJOYED working with you
KATHY DELGADO AND FAMILY
So sorry to hear of his passing. I’ve known Bruce and Billee my whole life (which is considerable) as they were my parents best friends. I remember a great sense of humor and a kind, generous spirit. He was truly “smitten” with his lovely wife and my deepest condolences go out to you, Billee. God bless your family.
Bruce certainly will be missed! I will not soon forget his hard work and great sense of humor. We will particularly remember traveling to the horse and dog races in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Who will ever forget the singing of the chorus of “On the Road Again” by everyone’s artist, Willie Nelson! Our prayers for your current trip will travel with you onward and upward and, likewise, Billie will be remembered in our prayers.
Tom, Cathy and all of Bruce’s Family. So Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I will hold good thoughts for the Family.
Bruce and Billee have been special friends for many years. After Bruce’s retirement, he joined me on the sailboat as cook. FORGIVE ME BRUCE!!
He will be missed but never forgotten. Condolences to Billee and family. You are in our prayers
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Bruce had a special gift of loving and helping people. I know he will be missed by many.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Father and Husband. We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Bruce Herndon family, we are so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a great boss at BSSD and a good person. Good memories of working for him
May your good memories sustain you! Joann, Marlon. Bone
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We enjoyed the short time during which we were able to know Daddy Bruce and the family.
Jim and Lisa McCullough
So many wonderful memories. He will be missed. Deepest sympathy to you all.
So sorry Kathy I know he was very lucky to have you as his daughter. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this time.
Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a great man and a pleasure to work with.
I have such fond memories of Bruce as well as Billee growing up in Blue Springs. Since I was friends with Libby, I got to know the Herndon family well. My condolences to the family.
Uncle Bruce was such a fun guy to talk to. He would always speak his mind, diplomacy be damned. I think that is a Herndon trait. He sure was proud of his family. He will be missed. Thoughts are with you all.
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. I worked for Bruce with the BSSD Foodservice Department for many years. He was a great boss and a very caring person. When he knew I needed a summer job, he recommended me to be the head cook at the Rotary Youth Camp. The camp instantly hired me without an interview. He always looked out for all of his employees. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
So sorry for your loss.