Herbert W. Muller

Herbert Waldemar Muller, known to all as Herb, 86, Gray Summit, MO, departed this life on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.

Herb was born in St. Clair, MO, on Jan. 1, 1938, son of Arno and Dorothy Muller, nee Schlipp. On June 1, 1963, he was united in marriage to Betty Hallum, and five children came to bless this union.

Herb was a Christian and was a member of Pacific Church of Christ where he taught Sunday school, led singing, and other activities. He was later a member of Ellisville Church of Christ. He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves in the early 1960s. He earned his bachelor's degree in art and elementary education at the University of Missouri where he also ran track.

During his working career, he was an elementary art teacher in the Pacific, Labadie, and Ellisville school districts in Missouri. Herb dedicated the majority of his career to teaching children and improving their lives. Herb used his telescope to teach his students about astronomy during evening stargazing events at the schools where he worked. After retiring in 1991, he continued to work as a state housing inspector.

Herb had many hobbies and interests. In his early years, Herb volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and served as a Scout Master. He enjoyed astronomy, bird watching, and amateur radio. Later in life, Herb participated in the Senior Olympics and won many gold medals in the track and field events. What meant most to him was time spent worshiping God and spreading His word.

Herb is survived by his wife, Betty Muller; his children, David Muller, Jeff Muller and wife Denise, Sue Kassebaum and husband Lowell, Eric Muller and wife Dawn, and Debra Black; his grandchildren, Clayton, Connor, and Collin Muller, Kyle Kassebaum, and Grayson and Oliver Black; his stepgrandchildren, Lyndon Kassebaum, Destiny Kruel, and Bradley and Sara Hendricks; his step-great-grandchild, Gunner Kruel; his in-laws, Wanda Snyder and husband Bill, Alvin Hallum and wife Paula, Jerry Hallum and girlfriend Brenda, Janice Hallum, and Joyce Sack; and by his nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Arno and Dorothy Muller; his siblings, Dolores Muller and Richard Muller; and his grandparents, Waldemar and Maria Muller and Emma and John Schlipp.

Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair.

A graveside service was held privately.

Memorials may be made to World Bird Sanctuary (125 Bald Eagle Ridge Rd., Valley Park, MO 63088).

The family of Herb Muller was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair.