Frank was husband to the late Margaret and will be dearly missed by his children Sandra, David and Alison and their families.

The popular Margretta Park man, who died on May 25, was best known for his contribution to Scouting in the district, his dedication to bowling and his passion for table tennis.

Despite having no Scouting background Frank grew into a monumental figure within the Second Lurgan troop.

His time with the group was recalled by District Commissioner for Lurgan Scouts, Ray McLeod:

“I had only been a member of the Scouts at Hill Street for a few months when Cecil Watson, the Group Leader left to take up the same role in First Lurgan (St Andrew’s) and Frank Herron arrived to replace him.

“Although he had no previous Scout background Frank very quickly mastered new skills and gained the respect of all he came in contact with.

“Frank built up a great team of leaders encouraging many of the older Scouts to continue on and become leaders either within the group or with other troops in the surrounding district.

“The first Scout camp at Bray was a learning experience for us all, never to be forgotten and every year for the next 20 years Frank ran many very happy and successful summer camps including such places as Morecambe, Troon, Isle of Man, Gilwell, Frylands Wood and Kandersteg in Switzerland.

“Not long after taking up his appointment with Second Lurgan, Frank secured premises at Moore’s Court off Queen Street and established the Scout Club.

“All of us helped clean and paint the club and we soon had table tennis and a coffee bar open five nights a week. Table tennis teams trained and coached by Frank went on to play in tournaments and matches near and far away.

“Many enjoyable nights were enjoyed by many in the club including many fundraising discos when the building was packed to capacity.”

Frank continued as group leader with Second Lurgan until the 1980s when he stepped down, but continued to take a keen interest in all the Scouting events in the area.

Ray added: “Over the years Frank was a real inspiration and a person who encouraged and helped many young people to become good citizens and constructive members of society with love and respect for God and one another.

“Frank, you will be sadly missed by many hundreds of people whose lives you touched and influenced for the better.”

While still keeping up to date with all things Scouting in the area, Frank went on to develop a very keen interest in bowling, playing for several teams in the area.

He joined Lurgan Bowling Club in 1983, was President in 1985 and was appointed Senior Match Secretary in 2003. Frank also played with the veterans at the County Antrim Bowling Club.

He was a keen member of Queen Street and Ballydougan Indoor Clubs and competed in the league recently introduced at the Jethro Centre.