Warner, Oklahoma, resident Wendell “Dale” Herndon passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Warner at the age of 79. Dale was born on November 17, 1946, in Chanute, Kansas, to James Denison and Margaret (Birdson) Herndon.
He was a 1966 graduate of Wichita High School. He proudly served in the Navy as Boatswains Mate. Dale married Mollie Peters on April 28, 1972, in Del City, Oklahoma. Dale enjoyed fishing and napping. He attended Jesus Alive Church for 47 years.
He worked as a lense grinder making eye glasses and later worked for Hobby Lobby until he retired.
Dale is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mollie Herndon; daughter and son-in-law, Verna “Denice” and Chester Jones of Porum, Oklahoma; two sons and daughters-in-law, Nathaniel and Kelly Herndon of Eufaula, Oklahoma, and Joseph and Krystal Herndon of Checotah, Oklahoma; two sisters, Linda Moody of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, and Charlotte Blanset of Meeker, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Chelsey Herndon, Charles Jones, and Jourdian Herndon; and many other family and friends.
Dale was preceded in death by his dad, James Denison Herndon and mom, Margaret (Cleone) Birdson.
Viewing was from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15, at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, with Kelly Herndon officiating.
Interment followed at Cummings Cemetery in Maud, Oklahoma. Services were under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.
