Dan Perry Herod, age 73, of McKinney, Texas, formerly of Tyler, Texas passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024. Born on October 29, 1950, to devoted parents Pinkney Herman (P.H.) and Betty Joanna (Green) Herod. He was raised to appreciate family, friends, strong values and great cooking on their family farm in Grapeland, Texas. He graduated from Grapeland High School a year early in 1968, having skipped 7th grade because in his words “they made a mistake believing him to be smart.” He would then embark on a journey that would touch the lives of countless people all over the country.
On November 7, 1992, Dan married the love of his life, Diane, at the home of one of his beloved sisters in Palestine, Texas. Together, he and “Honey” built a life filled with love, laughter, friendships, travel and cherished memories for over 32 wonderful years. Dan found great joy in and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren, watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments, no matter how small. He was a constant cheerleader and encourager to all those that knew him.
Dan’s career would see him display enthusiasm, creativity, dedication and leadership. After winning a disc jockeying contest at the age of 14 he traveled from small town to small town spinning records and introducing each with a booming voice that he became so well known for. As a young man he joined the staff of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, where he took an interest in Tyler’s Texas Rose Festival, serving the event annually and eventually even served as President. Following working for the Chamber, Dan joined Southside Bank serving as Vice President of Marketing for 12 years. where he created some of the banks most recognizable early advertising campaigns. He then expanded his career to Chicago, Illinois, joining the marketing team at ADP and traveling the country as a motivational speaker. Eventually, Dan and Diane returned to McKinney where in semi-retirement, as he liked to call it, he merged two of his greatest passions, cars and people, launching Mustang Sally Productions which organized huge car shows all over the DFW Metroplex.
A proud Master Mason and member of Sharon Temple Shrine, Dan was deeply rooted in his community and faith. He was a long-time member of Frisco First Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and guided others in their faith journey. Dan was a passionate teacher, making complicated things understandable to all those listening, he loved to read, appreciated a great meal, and enjoyed countless trips to the casino with Honey. Most importantly, he was a people person who inspired and touched many lives with his warmth, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Diane Stringer Herod of McKinney, Texas; son, J Scott Herod and wife Misty of Tyler, Texas; daughter, Rachel Renee’ Howard of Denton, Texas; grandchildren, Landon Herod, Kate Herod, Winnie Herod, and Brandon Howard, all of Tyler, Texas; six great grandchildren; four beloved nieces and nephews, and countless more family and friends.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Sharon Loretta McManigal, and Shelia Ann Woods.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Frisco First Baptist Church, 7901 Main St, Frisco, Texas 75034 with burial to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Parker Cemetery in Grapeland, Texas on C.R. 2305. Pall Bearers will include Landon Herod, Brandon Howard, Chris Vargas, Dan McManigal, Chris Richardson, Josh Smith, Jeff Munn and Jacob Grapevine.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday, September 30 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home at 2525 N Central Expressway, Allen, Texas 75013