Herschel Francis Witherspoon passed away peacefully in his home on April 11, 2021.
Herschel was born on January 2, 1928 in Clinton, Oklahoma to Douglas and Thelma Witherspoon. The family settled in Quemado, Texas where his father was a farmer and also served as a county commissioner and barber.
He graduated from Eagle Pass High School where he participated in many activities including the football team. While in high school he dated his childhood sweetheart, Harriette Dodson, who lived thirty miles away in Del Rio, Texas. After graduation in 1945, Herschel attended Texas A&M University. He continued his relationship with Harriette while she attended the University of Texas.
Herschel left Texas A&M after 1 year and served as a MP in U.S. Army in Japan immediately after World War II. On September 8th, 1948 Herschel and Harriette were married in Del Rio after he returned from his military service. After their wedding they moved to Kingsville, Texas where they both continued their education at Texas A&I (now known as Texas A&M Kingsville). He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Education.
After graduation in 1951, they moved to Quemado, Texas to farm and start a family. Herschel worked as a high school ag teacher, gas station owner and farm manager.
Herschel and Harriette were blessed with three children: Harriette Anne, Richard Baird, and John Douglas “Peto” Witherspoon. After a brief time in Lubbock where he managed a large farm, it was in 1960 that the family settled in McKinney, Texas. In 1962, Herschel and Harriette purchased their first restaurant, the Dairy Queen in McKinney. The first purchase led to the couple growing their restaurant business over the next forty plus years. After his retirement, the family-owned business continues to thrive today with multiple restaurants throughout Northeast Texas.
Herschel was also a devoted father and committed to rearing his three children while working tirelessly to expand the family business ventures. In McKinney, in addition to building a successful business, Herschel was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over sixty years. He was a Boy Scout leader in McKinney and coached many youth sports teams throughout the years to support his own children and community.
Herschel loved to spend time with his family and friends as well as those friends of his children and grandchildren. He particularly enjoyed spending time at the lake hosting lakeside parties and pulling skiers of all ages across the waters at Lake Texoma and Lake Cypress Springs. He always made time to watch or listen about the activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Herschel enjoyed traveling with Harriette and over the years they took many wonderful trips all over the world.
Herschel was a loving and caring son, husband, father, and friend. He was loved and admired by many, but his greatest love was that of his wife. He remained devoted to Harriette and the family they had together throughout his life and even after her passing.
Herschel was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Thelma Witherspoon; wife, Harriette Witherspoon; his son, John “Peto” Witherspoon and daughters-in-law, Worthie Witherspoon and Teresa Witherspoon.
Herschel is survived by his daughter, Anne Holloway and husband, Mike of Emory, Texas; son, Richard Witherspoon and wife, Janie of Mount Pleasant, Texas; grandchildren, John Richard Holloway, Michelle Holloway Alexander, Richie Witherspoon, Conoly Witherspoon Russell, Jacob, Harrison Witherspoon, and Marianne Witherspoon Sliva; great-grandchildren, John Matthew, Lauren, and Luke Holloway, Taylor Anne and Addison Alexander, Liam, Mason and Abagail Witherspoon; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family would like to thank all the countless friends and caregivers who have been so supportive and caring to both Herschel and Harriette over the final years of their lives.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2021 at First United Methodist Church, 315 North Church Street, McKinney, Texas 75069.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of McKinney, Texas.