John Ward Herd died November 17, 2022 at Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born May 31, 1951 at Ashland Hospital to Hern (Looie) Herd and Maureen (Harden) Herd.  John was a lifetime resident of Protection, Kansas.  He attended Protection Public Schools, graduating from Protection High School in 1969 where he was a standout basketball player.  After high school, John attended Wichita State University and Hutchinson Community College, ultimately returning to Protection to pursue his passion, farming.  He married Julie Price January 27, 1973.  They had two children, Jeremy and Patrick.

John's farming life started as a custom harvester, harvesting wheat and silage feed for many years in the area.  He also began buying and renting land and eventually joined his father's operation of the Clarence Harden farm west of Protection. John took over sole operation of the farm after his father's death in 2006.

John, with partner Chet Bratcher, built and owned the Country Club Tavern, a popular community site in Protection during the 1970s and 80s.

John was a loyal friend, committed to the ideals of family and rural community.  He remained close to childhood friends throughout his life.  Those who worked for John over the years bonded with him and continued a personal friendship for life.

John worked hard and took care of his family.  He was a highly skilled farmer; an outstanding producer of grain, hay and cattle.  In the operation of equipment, he had no equal.

John continued interest in the car culture and music of his era and enjoyed car shows, racing and concerts.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julie; son Jeremy and wife Kayla of Protection, Kansas; son Patrick and wife Nicole of Coldwater, Kansas; grandchildren Kodie, Jack, Kate, Elsie, Bonnie and Oliver; brother Charley Herd and wife Jana of Coldwater, Kansas; sister Sue Schwerdtfeger and husband Mark of Capron, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by parents Looie and Maureen Herd and infant grandson Finn Herd.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2022, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral service is at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Protection Christian Church in Protection, KS, with Pastor Rusty Westerfield and Deacon Dennis Frazier presiding.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Protection Cemetery in Protection, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Protection Santa Claus Day in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.