LJ Herron, III, passed from this life Friday, July 26, 2024, at the age of 20. He was born August 27, 2003, in Brownwood, Texas to Larry James Herron, Jr. and Maria Estrada.

LJ was raised in De Leon and graduated from De Leon High School Class of 2022. He was a true De Leon Bearcat and loved his teammates and friends without limits. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track during high school. He was involved in FFA and many other extracurricular activities. LJ was honored as De Leon High School Homecoming King in 2021 and the Fall Festival King. He was truly a friend to all and was always full of life and enthusiasm. After high school, LJ went on to earn his associate degree from TSTC to become a lineman. He also attended Ranger College for his welding certification. He was employed with Coleman County Electric Cooperative in Coleman, Texas.

LJ was active throughout his life with First Baptist Church and participated in many of their youth group trips and activities. He loved God and sharing that love with others. Hunting, fishing, dirt roading, building legos, and spending time outdoors were some of his favorite hobbies. He was "the chef" of cooking quesadillas and ranch was mandatory on all food. LJ had a witty disposition and lit up every room he entered. LJ always worked hard, in all he did. His family and friends meant everything to him, and he made certain they each knew how much he loved them. He was a selfless friend, loving son, grandson, boyfriend, and a devoted brother. LJ was larger than life and the void left in his earthy absence is immeasurable. His family will take comfort in knowing he is lighting up heaven with his bright smile and large personality next to his special friends Tyson and Brayden (Taco) for all of eternity.

He is survived by his loving family: father, Larry James Herron, Jr. (Jennifer); mother, Maria Estrada; girlfriend, Kaylie Dewbre; son on the way, Legend James Herron; grandparents, Jose and Antonia Villa, and Ronald and Mary Barefield; sisters, Bailey Herron (Fernando) and Jazlynn Herron; brother, Keion Herron; step-sister, Jerie Martinez; step-brother, Christian Martinez; nephew, Alexavier Falcon; aunts, Catarina Morgan (Mickey), Jessica Villa, Luciana Villa, LaDetria (DeDe) Herron; uncles, Toby Estrada (Angela) and MarShawn Herron (Tammy); numerous other extended family; and many special friends.

LJ has been reunited with his grandparents, Larry Herron, Sr. and Annie Herron; great-grandparents, Santos and Caterina Leal; and great-grandmother, Mary Alexander.

Funeral services celebrating LJ'S life were held July 30, 2024, at De Leon First Baptist Church with Pat Wilson officiating. Graveside committal followed in De Leon Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Kallen McIlvain, Riggin Williams, Owen Elliott, Joey Hancock, Halston Faulkner, Landon Stephens, Victor Amaya, Christian Martinez, and Ian Leal. Honorary pallbearers were Keion Herron, Justin Sanchez, Nathan Greenfield, Keaton Beets, MJ Locke, Hayden Hammon, and Coleman County Electric Cooperative co-lineman.

LJ's family will be establishing a DISD Memorial Scholarship Fund soon and would appreciate all memorial contributions be directed to that fund in memory of LJ.