Philip Harold Herron

Philip Harold Herron, age 77, of Portage passed away November 25, 2022. He was born November 13, 1945 in Tunnel Hill, Georgia to the late Hazen and Eula (Porter) Herron.

Philip was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather—family was very important to him, including his napping buddy, a chihuahua named Moose. He was a 1965 graduate of Galesburg-Augusta High School and helped charter the first ambulance service in Galesburg. He served in the US Air Force as an aerial photographer. This likely led to his love of aircrafts, drawing, and photography. His artistic nature was a trait passed down to his kids and grandkids. Philip was a member of the first group of officers to complete police academy training to work for the newly formed police department at Western Michigan University. He became an excellent detective and was often invited to speak at conferences for the training of other officers. Philip was known for his sense of humor—entertaining his neighbors from his front porch chair and sharing plenty of jokes. He was a Christian man and a member of the Fraternal Organization of Freemasonry.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Hazen Eugene Herron; and baby sister.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lois Herron; children, Scott (Amanda) Herron, Elizabeth (Richard) Etheridge, Andrea (Steven Bell) Herron, and Michele (Michael) Clapp; grandchildren, Samantha Herron, Morgan Clapp, Mason Clapp, Richard Etheridge, Matthew Etheridge, Justin Etheridge, Brandon Etheridge, and Zachary Etheridge; sisters, Sylvia Terry and Cledith Dowty; and niece, Amanda.

A memorial gathering for family and close friends will be held Saturday, December 3 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 411 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002. Philip will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit https://www.langelands.com