Donald Dean Herd

Donald Dean Herd, of Tulsa, passed away on July 19, 2020. Born to Lloyd & Maurine Herd in Ashland, KS, on March 9, 1934, he later moved to Nevada, MO, where he lived most of his young adult life. At Nevada High School, Don was quite a speedy running back and was offered a foot-ball scholarship at Pittsburg State Teacher’s College, where he earned his BSE in Art. He met the love of his life, Sandra Maxwell, on a chalk chase in high school. They married in 1954, served two years in the Army, and later welcomed two daughters, Kim and Kristi, into the world.

Don was a hard worker from the time he was old enough to hold a job. First, driving a laundry truck to pay for college, followed by insurance sales. He later found his calling as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Lederle/American Cyanamid, where he worked for over 35 years until his retirement in 1993. He developed many lifelong friends who also worked in the pharmaceutical sales industry.

Don was an accomplished artist, at least to his family, who cherish some of his earlier paintings and drawings. When they were young his daughters would watch him sketch different models of cars, another of his great loves. Don and his lifelong friend, Larry Fowler, shared a love of cars from the time they were in elementary school. Don owned many sports cars over his lifetime and enjoyed collecting hundreds of diecast model cars to display. He could tell you the manufacturer, year, and model of any car from 1920 to current. He would frequently attend sports car races, car shows, and auctions. Don Herd was a true car nut.

He was also a jazz enthusiast, preferring to listen to music over watching television. He owned vinyls of all the greats from Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to Nat King Cole and Herb Albert. In fact, jazz music could be heard blaring from his apartment until the day he passed.

Don was quick-witted. His sense of humor disarmed all who met him. He could bring laughter to even the most difficult situations. His presence reminded others not to take life so seriously. And even though he suffered several difficult hardships during his life, including the loss of both his wife, Sandra and later his loving companion, Barbara Reid, he was not one to complain. He accepted life as it came to him and maintained a positive outlook despite the challenges he faced.

Don moved to Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living Center in 2013, where he quickly endeared himself to many of the outstanding staff and care associates. As his health declined over the next seven years, Aberdeen associates and their amazing Director, Anita Beatt, offered the support and assistance necessary to allow him to remain in his apartment until his death. In particular, a beautiful soul, Brenda Cox, lovingly and patiently cared for Don and treated him with dignity to the end. Don’s family will be forever grateful.

Don will be greatly missed by those who survive him, including his daughters Kimberlee Kae Bishop (Barry), Kristi Rae Tackett (Garland), Grandsons, Brady Tackett (Megan), and Maxwell Tackett (Emily). Step grandsons, Barrett Bishop (Tiffany) and Kevin Bishop (Kasey); Sister, Janet Cicero of AZ and her children Patrick Cicero and Kellie Bell; as well as his niece and nephew Andrea Hernandez and Todd Maxwell. Becky Andrews, who was like a daughter to Don and her daughters, Erin Frost and Kathryn Andrews.

A graveside service to be held at Newton Cemetery in Nevada, MO. Date to be determined.

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