Gordon "Gene" Herndon passed away on August 28 at his home in Seeley Lake surrounded by his family. Gene lived a rich and full life and touched many people with his kindness and humor.
Gene was born February 28, 1923, in Belmont, Montana, to Goldie and Pearl Herndon. Gene was in the Twin Bridges Orphans Home and worked on ranches in the Sheridan Montana area before enlisting in the Navy in 1942. Gene served his country with honor and dignity surviving the sinking of his ship and rescue at sea.
Upon discharge, according to a "Special Report" published by the Montana Tavern Times in 2002, Gene got his first job in the hospitality business at the Mint Bar in Bozeman where his mom was working as a cook.
Gene tended bar next at the American Legion Club in Bozeman from 1945 to 1947, when he decided he'd had enough of other people's ideas and struck out on his own. Selling his 1936 Chevy and cashing in his savings bonds, he raised enough capital to purchase a liquor license and erect a 30 by 60-foot log building west of Bozeman at Four Corners.
The Korner Klub openened in June 1947. The 24-year-old Herndon had invested just $3,000 when, shortly after opening, a potential buyer approached him and offered $18,000 for the business, the Tavern Times reoprted.
"We got our liquor license June 14, 1947 -- the last license issued before the quota system was instituted," he said in the account. "The prices shot up overnight. It was a lucky hit. When my partners decided they wanted to make some changes I didn't think think were too bright -- I was the only one with experience -- I decided to take the money and get out."
Eventually, Gene moved to Missoula in 1952 and went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Gene was involved in many business ventures including the Double Front in Missoula and the Chicken Coop in Seeley Lake.
In a 1998 profile in the Tavern Times, Gene said of Missoula's Double Front, "We served about six million chicken dinners. We'd go thorough two and a half tons of chicken a week. We once served 1,500 chicken dinners in one day."
In that same interview, Herndon said, "I joined the old Montana Beverage Association before it became the MTA (Montana Tavern Association). I had four MBA stickers and I can't find them. Come over here and take a look at this…" He pointed proudly to a complete collection of MTA stickers going back to 1971. "Bob Blair and I were the first Gold Star members."
Gene will, however, always be known for his genuine love of people. Gene could remember the name of anyone he met and always made people laugh.
He lived life to the fullest and was truly a charter member of the "Greatest Generation." Gene believed in the American Dream and made it a reality. He was political and would not hesitate to voice his opinion, but always offered to help those in need.
Gene is survived by his beloved companion Kelly Piche who lived, played, and worked beside him. Together they enjoyed life and continued to enjoy their many friends.
Gene was married for 25 years to Catherine Herndon and had three children; Anita (Bill) Vogan, Lex (Joyce) Herndon, Lance (Donnis) Herndon; five grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and four surviving sisters, Roseva Boucher, Wilma (Ray) Harrison, Margorite (Milt) Campbell and Margie (Ray) Matthis.
But most of all Gene' life will be remembered by his many, many friends and the people he touched.
A celebration of the life of Gene Herndon was held at the Chicken Coop in Seeley Lake Saturday, Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. It has been reported the entire establishment was jammed shoulder-to-shoulder for many hours by hundreds of Gene's friends wishing to pay respects.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, Oct., 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.