Virgil Charles Herschbach

Virgil Charles Herschbach, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026. Virgil was born on February 28, 1940 on a small farm in Ellis Grove, Illinois. As a young boy, his family moved from the farm to St. Louis, Missouri, where he went to school and met his future wife, Joyce. They married in 1961 and were together for 64 years. During those years, they had and raised 3 children. He spent his entire work career of 43 years with TWA and then American Airlines where he retired.

He enjoyed spending much of his time outdoors, taking walks in the woods, gardening, hunting, fishing, and recently bird watching. He loved to play sports in his youth and in his later years watching them on television. He was always tinkering on something and having a sharp pocket knife at all times was a must.

Virgil provided for and cared deeply for his family. He ensured their safety and well-being at all times. He was always there to lend a listening ear and will be remembered as a man who stood strong in his values.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Leona Dunker and Walter Herschbach, and is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Ray Herschbach. He leaves behind his children: Lynn (James) Bales, Lori Strong, and David (Tina) Herschbach. Virgil was a proud grandfather to Courtney Gullet (David), Taylor Weiss (Andrew), Phillip Buescher, Cheyenne Wittmann (Josh), Taylor Strong, Tyler Strong, Braxton Herschbach, and Grace Herschbach, and a cherished great-grandfather to 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Dorothy (Dave) Miller and Arthur Herschbach. Virgil will be remembered for his strength, his steady presence, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the hands he taught, the values he passed down, and the many lives he touched .

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Highway 30, Cedar Hill, MO 63016. Funeral Ceremony will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary. Interment will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill, MO.