Hubert H. Herndon, 79, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at Jefferson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Beaumont. He was the only child of Pansy Sutton and Harry A. Herndon, born October 19, 1930.

A native of Kirbyville, he grew up in Beaumont, and then Houston, where he graduated from Lamar High School in 1948. He was a longtime Dayton resident, and had resided in Beaumont for the last thirteen years.

He was active in the Air Force in 1951 to 1953. After his military service, he worked alongside of his father at Loessin & Herndon Lumber Wholesalers in Houston. He married Sarah Anne Reese in 1956. They were married for forty-four years.

He was a member of the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, Incorporated, Houston Chapter #23; a fraternal and service organization whose members are involved in the forest industry. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed archery and shooting skeet. He was a talented Bladesmith and artisan. He was well known for his hand forged knives made at his “Linney Creek Saloon”. His knives have been sold all over the United States, and exhibit the highest quality blades, with hand carved handles made from exotic woods, bone, and semi precious stones.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and “Papaw”. He never missed any performances of his wife, who was a vocalist; his son, who was a musician; or his daughter, who danced. In addition, he was proud of his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Hubert is survived by his daughter, Eva Herndon LeBlanc and her husband Dennis of Fannett; son, Harry Neill Herndon and his wife Vicki of Germany; grandchildren, Sarah Anne LeBlanc, Elisabeth Faye LeBlanc, and Kevin Ray Herndon and his wife Catherine; and great-grandchildren, Brin Kiara Herndon and Charlie Hubert Herndon.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife Sarah R. Herndon.

His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with committal to follow at Broussard’s Crematorium. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2010, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice, 2450 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 www.harborhospicefoundation.comor any Performing or Visual Arts educational organization of your choice.