Obituary of Mary Herron

Mary H. Herron, 81, passed away quietly on Sunday, April 22, 2007. Mary Jane Hinkel was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Florence and John W. Hinkel. She was the granddaughter of Oklahoma Land Rush pioneers, Nell and John P. Hinkel, who published the Stillwater Daily Press. Mary was a graduate of Oklahoma A & M College, with a degree in Fine Arts. She and Quintus Herron were married in 1946 in Stillwater. They have been residents of Idabel for over 60 years. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Quintus, son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Etta Herron of Idabel, daughter and son-in-law, Janet Herron and Gamaliel Leyva of Tucson, Arizona, sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Ray Boileau of Seattle, Washington, brother and sister-in-law, John and Sue Hinkel of Pacific, Missouri. Her loving grandchildren include: Suzannah, Julia and Pete Herron, Caty Clowers, Cole and Logan Chapman and one great-granddaughter, Kassidy Clowers. Her professional life included work as County Bookmobile Librarian for the SE region, and Women’s Page Editor for the McCurtain Gazette. She and Quintus were founding members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Idabel. She is best remembered for her work in Idabel’s Museum of the Red River, which she and Quintus founded in 1974. Opening to the public in 1975, the Museum quickly became the focus of Mary’s passion. One of her true joys was working there every day with her museum friends. It has since become one of the major tourist attractions to southeast Oklahoma, and enjoys a national reputation for its extensive collections, its diverse exhibits and its innovative programs. Mary actively supported the programs of the Idabel Regional Arts Council. In addition to the council’s performing arts program, she personally supported visual arts programs, and assumed personal responsibility for developing purchase funds for art to enhance the public area of ET Dunlap Higher Leaning Center. She was instrumental in establishing the Oklahoma Museums Association endowment fund. In addition to her work at the Museum of the Red River, she was active with state and regional organizations. She served on boards, presented papers, participated in various museum symposia and served as a mentor to many young professionals. In 1998, she was recognized for her work with the Laura McDonagh Streich Award for professional service by the Oklahoma Museums Association, its highest honor. Along with her husband, she had also received the Kiamichi Country Heritage Award, Distinguished Historian Award from the McCurtain County Historical Society, Idabel Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year award, the Stanley Draper Distinguished Service Award of the Oklahoma Heritage Association and the Governors Arts Award. In 2006, they were listed in Art and Antiques magazine as one of the 100 Top Art Collectors Who Made a Difference. Recently, they were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Antique and Tribal Art Dealers Association. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church, 302 S.E. Jefferson, Idabel, with the Reverend Donna Dodson, officiating. After services, family and friends are welcome to gather at the Museum of the Red River to celebrate Mary’s life. Mary will be greatly missed by her family, museum family, many friends and associates. In her memory, donations may be made to the Museum of the Red River, 812 S.E. Lincoln Road, Idabel, Oklahoma 74745, (580)286-3616.