Richard J Herron, 48, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home at 5:01 a.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

He was born in Columbia City on June 16, 1973, a son of the late Argel Herron and Dawn Redman. Growing up in Columbia City, he attended Columbia City Joint High, later earning a GED.

On September 7, 1996, he married Heather Danielle Jagger. They have always made their home in rural Columbia City.

He spent his work career in the construction trade belonging to Local 232, Fort Wayne. He worked for Reiff Construction and, most recently, WJ Carey Construction.

At home, he enjoyed home improvement projects, tinkering in the garage building go-karts or repairing 4-wheelers with his son.  Spending time with his daughter, he liked to assist her with her 4H projects.

Surviving is his wife, Heather; children Hunter Herron and Gage Herron, both of Columbia City; siblings John (Beth) Best of Washington State, Henry (Linda) Herron of Fort Wayne, Tina Kilgore of Columbia City, Jane (James) Guiff of Warsaw, June (Tracy) Zumbrun of Larwill Tracy Russell and Amy (Matt) Leininger both of Columbia City.

It was Richard's desire not to have any services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials are to the family to help with medical expenses.