Joseph Herndon Obituary

February 22, 1949 -
July 3, 2025
February 22, 1949 – July 3, 2025
Joseph Martin Herndon was born to Rufus John and Vivian (Parker) Herndon on February 22, 1949, in Mineola Texas, the second of five children born to Rufus and Vivian, and their first son. Joseph was raised in Longview Texas and was selected to be in the first group of black students to attend formerly segregated Longview Highschool, graduating in 1966. Joseph had many wonderful memories of his childhood in East Texas and remained especially fond of his cousins in Mineola for his entire life.
After high school graduation, Joseph struck out on his own, first to California, and then to Washington State, to Seattle, in 1972. It was there, in 1975, that Joseph met Karen, who he would marry in 1978. For near 50 years, Joseph and Karen enjoyed true friendship, partnership, and fulfillment in their Christ-centered relationship.
Joseph graduated from college with three college degrees, in governmental management, in hazardous materials management, and was a degreed occupational trainer. Joseph ran his own business, Performance Environmental, for decades and was a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) retiring proudly, CHMM Emeritus, in 2023.
Joseph was a member of the St James Cathedral Parish since before his marriage there in 1978. He lovingly participated in and supported various Cathedral ministries and programs throughout his decades there, including Family Kitchen, Winter Shelter, and was a long-time member of the parish Care for Creation Committee. For many years Joseph was a constant presence in the 8 :00 Mass coffee hour, greeting those he knew and those he wanted to know with an invitation to sit and share, Joseph was known for an infectious laugh, joyful comradery, and for a staunch devotion and faith that informed all he did. Joseph found a friend in everyone he met and will be missed in the parish community.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Rufus and Vivian, and by his sister Veronica. Joseph is survived by his wife Karen, his brothers Lafayette and Rufus, his sister Catherine, his sisters-in-law Terrie Rucker, and Sherrie Cote-Laciste and his brother-in-law Valentino Laciste, and his cousins in Texas. He is also survived by the nieces and nephews that he loved so much, encouraged so much, and was so joyful with. He was a proud and fun uncle who is held in great esteem by his nieces and nephews.
Joseph prioritized family, church, alms giving, the environment, the rule of law, faithful citizenship, and golf. He was a devoted friend and constant cheerleader on behalf of his wife Karen. Joseph's life was characterized by active and untiring faith and joyful enthusiasm that he brough to all his pursuits. He loved all the scriptures and was so well versed from study that he was able to quote a very great number by memory. A favorite poem based on Ps 46:10 will serve here:
Be still and know that I am God
That I who made and gave thee life will lead thy faltering steps aright.
That I who see each sparrow's fall will hear and heed thy earnest call.
I am God.
Be still and know that I am God
When aching burdens crush thy heart then know I form thee for thy part
and purpose in the plan I hold.
Thou are the clay that I would mold.
Trust in God.
Be still and know that I am God
Who made the atom's tiny span and set it moving to My plan.
That I Who guide the stars above will guide and keep thee in My love.
Be thou still.
Doran