Ralph Sterling Herron, of Fairmont, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the age of 72, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Ralph was born October 6, 1953, in Painesville, Ohio. He married Kathy Thomas in 1979 and they had three boys: Steve, Todd, and Victor.
His primary place of employment was North American Phillips (Westinghouse).
He enjoyed travelling in his parent’s RV with his family.
A renowned Scouter, he served in multiple leadership capacities in the Scouting program, including at the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and at the Mountaineer Area Council level, where he would serve in various leadership roles as his three boys grew up in the program. That service included working at Camp Mountaineer and leading Philmont contingents. His leadership service continued where his love for Scouts and faith collaborated at the Circuit Rider Camporees, where he served as Conference Scouting coordinator from 2006-2023.
Ralph was known for his fierce loyalty wherever he served, whether in the Boy Scouts, at his beloved Highlawns United Methodist Church, or in the Salvation Army.
Ralph graduated from Fairmont State College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology.
He amassed multiple awards from his 57 years in the Boy Scouts of America, some including: District Award of Merit, Whitney M. Young Award, Torch Award, Silver Beaver, Distinguished Commissioner Award, and he obtained the Vigil Honor with Menawngihella Order of the Arrow Lodge #550.
He is survived by his wife and caregiver, Kathy Herron; his brother, Roger (Denise) Herron; son, Steve (Dawn) Herron with grandchildren Archer and Coen; son, Victor (Bethany) Herron; father-in-law, the Rev. Donald Thomas; cousins, Chuck Herron and Brad Kisner; in-laws, Marvin (Dale) Thomas, Darlene (Tom) Marlowe, Peter (Angie) Thomas; and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Herron; parents, Troy and Flo Herron; mother- in-law, Montana Thomas; and grandparents, Ray and Edina Kisner, and Troy and Hazeline Herron.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mountaineer Area Council (192 McColloch Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003); Highlawns United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 485, Rivesville, WV 26588); or a charity of one’s choice.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. Friends will be received Monday, December 29, from 1 to 8 p.m., and again Tuesday, December 30, from 12 Noon until the time of a funeral service at 2 p.m., with the Reverend David Stilgenbauer officiating. A service of committal will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery in Fairmont.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com
