David Herndon

Rev. David Herndon, 52, of Ashland, Kentucky, died March 10, 2019.  

He was born and raised in Hamilton, Alabama, the son of Edgar and Sarah McCarter Herndon Jr..  He moved to Kentucky with his ministry. He loved the outdoors, the beach, swimming, golf, UK basketball and the Alabama Crimson Tide.  

David’s call to ministry began in the 1980s through an Emmaus Walk in Alabama.  His journey with God would take him to Asbury Seminary, and then he would pastor churches in Cullman, Alabama; Princeton, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; and eventually to Ashland.  

David loved the Lord and loved to help people. His smile and laughter were infectious and put those around him at ease.  Countless numbers of friends and acquaintances have told stories of David’s encouragement, support and teaching that led them to a relationship with Christ.  
His impact touched all ages, from young to old. The youth at Centenary United Methodist, where David was senior pastor, grew from three to 50 thanks to David’s dedication, love, care and concern for the underprivileged youth.  David’s last Wednesday service was spent teaching and then serving the Lord’s Supper with each member –   a service that not only blessed the youth but blessed him as well.  

David also helped organize an after-school tutoring program for middle schoolers in Ashland.  These students not only received help with their homework, but even more important, they experienced the love of Jesus.  David was also very active in mission work, having just completed his 15th trip to Honduras. 

He is survived by his wife, Donna Burton Herndon; his parents; a son, Joshua Herndon of Ashland; two daughters, Jordan Jessup of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Madison Crum of Lexington; and a sister, Rose Galloway of Winfield, Alabama.

His funeral was held March 14, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of Ashland, with Revs. Brad Smart and Keith Katterheinrich officiating. Burial was in Hughes Cemetery in Lawrence County, Kentucky.

David was a man after God’s own heart. His time here on this Earth was short, but his impact will live on forever in the lives of so many he touched.  It is comforting to his wife and other loved ones to know that Jesus gathered David in his arms and took him to a better place. 
“Fly high my beautiful husband, you are loved and missed.”

“ROLL TIDE!”