Karl Herget

Karl David "Dave" Herget, 75, of Murrayville, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, completing a life well lived, rich with music, love, and a legacy all his own.
Dave entered the world on March 21, 1950, born to Delores and Karl Herget in Baylis, Illinois. From the very beginning, he was full of curiosity and conviction. He possessed just the right amount of stubbornness and firmly believed you were never too young - or too old - to learn something new, even if you were already right.
On October 6, 1969, Dave proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His time in service shaped the discipline, readiness, and straightforward approach to life that defined him long after his years in uniform had ended.
Following his service, Dave took to the road as an avid drummer, spending his rock-star years playing with bands including-but not limited to-Children's Laughter, Country Continentals, High Lonesome Country Band, Artie Lewis and the Sunrise Express, and Slim Pickens (with a few more lost to time, late nights, or both), while also working as a live sound engineer for countless artists, big and small. During those years on the road, Dave founded Glitz Productions, his own light and sound company, a venture he proudly maintained long after the tours slowed, keeping him behind the scenes and close to the music he loved. He traveled across state lines, collecting stories that could only come from a life lived loudly and fully.
When Dave eventually traded the stage for the service bay, becoming a Service Manager at Cadillac Courtesy and later Chrysler–Dodge–Jeep–Ram-where, in an irony that couldn't be scripted, he met his best friend, Eric Ford. Together, they spent the next 20 years proving that some legends never really leave the tour; they just change the venue. Dave never fully stepped away from music, continuing to work with Glitz Productions and at Mason Sound throughout his years at the dealership. Music remained a constant in his life, right alongside his love for history, Harleys, and above all, his children, who knew him best as "Pops" and "Buddy Ro."
On October 10, 2010, after 25 years of friendship, Dave finally married Shari Lynn Bettis, proving that when you know, you know eventually. Over their 15 years together, they built a life filled with travel, belly laughs, meaningful conversation, country quiet, and for Dave, more coffee than one person could reasonably consume (and even more mugs to prove it). Dave valued deep talks about life, history, and the world, but was just as content with the simple pleasures of home, and the peace of rural living beside his best friend.
Those who knew Dave will remember his thoughtful presence, his love of conversation, and his sense of humor. Dave was famously picky about food, unwavering in his preferences, and always prepared with a fully stocked pantry "just in case." He appreciated order, preparedness, and doing things his way. He was a man of strong opinions, deep loyalty, and a sense of humor that landed best if you were paying attention and sometimes even if you weren't. In his final bow, he leaves us with memories to share on repeat like the record player he never got around to fixing, that big, raspy laugh we will always listen for, and most importantly, the comfort and pleasure of knowing a love so deep, it still echoes long after the music has ended.
David is survived by his children Shelly Hately-Herget (Jody Hately), Tony Herget (Melissa Ratliff Herget), with Marcia Willsey, and Amanda Herget (Tim Jones), with Trina Tillery (Dave Tillery); his wife Shari (née Bettis) and stepdaughter Nikkita Martino.
He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Kolby and Kaeson Herget (Tony and Melissa), as well as his cherished grand-dogs Rose, Noah, and Ozzie (Amanda and Tim), and step-grand-dogs Sam and Olive (Nikkita). He was a proud fur-dad to Gibbs, Asher, Ella Rose Herget, as well as Lily, Spock, Woody and Esa, who preceded him in death and no doubt greeted him with slobbers, snuggles, and zero respect for personal space upon his arrival.
Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. While no formal services are being held, a celebration of Dave's life will be coordinated at a later date, in the way he would have wanted - full of stories, music, laughter and love. Your favorite memories with Dave and/or condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.