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John Herrin Obituary
John "Jack" Herrin
DAWSON - John "Jack" Herrin of Dawson, IL, died December 16, 2011. He was the son of Willard F. and Helen Reed Herrin, born May 16, 1934. He grew up in the Buffalo area, graduated from Tri-City School and farmed with his father. In 1954, he started in the fertilizer business and continued in that profession as President and CEO of Herrin Ltd. with plants at Buffalo, Berry and Mt. Pulaski until January 2000. He had also been a stock holder and V.P. of Brandt Chemical Co. in its early days. He also served as V.P. of the National Fertilizer Solutions Association and on many state and national committees in the industry.
Jack was a member of Buffalo Methodist Church and past member of Laurel Methodist Church serving on many finance and fund raising committees. He was elected township clerk three terms, served on the Tri¬City School board for 10 years, and the Mechanicsburg Cemetery board for over 40 years. Jack loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He was a life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, life member of the NRA and a sponsor of Delta Waterfowl.
Jack married Beverly Owens McNeal in 1991, and formed a collective family of 12 children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Beverly, three sisters Imogene Leffingwell (husband Hersh) of Fairbury, IL; Joann Sapp (husband Don) of Phoenix, AZ; Elaine Burrus (husband David) of Buffalo, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Jack is survived by sons William. "Frank" Herrin of Springfield, IL; John A. Herrin (companion Linda Voorhees); Randy McNeal (fianc~ Jodi Bockewitz) of Springfield, IL; Jeff McNeal (fiance Laura Casper) of Springfield, IL; Todd McNeal (wife Teresa) of Overland Park, KS; Robert J. "Jamie" Herrin (wife Jessie) of Chicago, IL and daughters Lisa Herrin of Maumee, OH; Julie Melvin (husband Steve) of Hinsdale, IL; Brenda McNeal Heimann of Litchfield, IL; and Kirsten Kienzler (husband Joe) of Chicago, IL and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by son Rodney McNeal (wife
Donna) of Litchfield, IL and daughter Jodie McNeal Vaughn (husband Steve) of Woodstock, GA.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 19, 2011 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home,530 North Fifth St., Springfield, IL. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Linda Harrod officiating. Burial will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to Mechanicsburg Cemetery.
Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 North Fifth St., Springfield, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Please visit our online obituaries at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Herrin
Paulette Obrien
December 29, 2019
I still think of Bev and Jack! I hope Bev is doing great, I know Jack is ! Probably duck hunting!
January 5, 2012
To John Herrin and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Had I known, I would have made every effort to attend your Father's visitation or service. May years of memories, family and friends bring you much comfort in this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Ann Brock Wellinghoff
December 25, 2011
Again I want to express my sympathy over your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sorry I missed the visitation. I was sick and I didn't think I should take the chance of making others sick. I will keep you in my prayers.
Judy Johnson
Mechanicsburg Fire
December 25, 2011
Bev and Family: Keeping you in our thoughts during this time. Jack is a very special gentleman, and it is the precious memories that will bring smiles to us in days to come. We got to know him on a first name basis and he called us all by first name too. He always had a comment when we were at the house you never knew what he was going to come up with. Thinking of you today and always.
December 22, 2011
Bev and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sheila (Marcy) Dyer (IDNR)
Lisa Herrin
December 22, 2011
It has been so nice to hear all the stories of dad over the past few days. He lived a full life, worked hard/played hard for 77 years and was a great dad/Grandpa Jack. There is a story most of the family knows, I believe it started with Grandma Herrin. This is not the exact words, but rather how I remember it.
THERE ONCE WAS A PUFFIN
THE SIZE OF A MUFFIN
AND LIVED IN THE DEEP BLUE SEA
HE ATE LITTLE FISHES THAT WERE MOST DELICIOUS
AND HE HAD THEM FOR SUPPER AND HE HAD THEM FOR TEA
BUT THIS POOR LITTLE PUFFIN
HE COULDN'T DO NOTHIN
FOR HE HAD NOBODY TO PLAY WITH
SO ALONG CAME THE FISHES
AND SAYS IF YOU WISHES
YOU CAN HAVE US FOR PLAYMATES INSTEAD OF FOR TEA
SO THEY ALL PLAY TOGETHER
IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER
AND THE PUFFIN EATS PANCAKES FOR YOU AND FOR ME
...During the funeral, I had an image of dad flying off in his red Bananza plane
John Buckles
December 21, 2011
I want to give my condolences to the family of one of the best bosses I ever had. What a wonderful man he was. He will be missed by a lot of people.
mary christmon
December 21, 2011
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. So sorry that I could not make it to the visitation.
Mary Christmon
Eileen Shaheen
December 21, 2011
I only met Jack a few times, but you could tell he was a man that loved life. May you be comforted by the good memories.
Dan Musselman
December 21, 2011
Dear Herrin Family,I am sorry to hear about your lost I have known all of you my whole life and I pray for your peace and love to you at this time. My the LORD be with you all always.
Sandy & Mike Ferega
December 20, 2011
Bev,
Although it has been many years since we've seen you and Jack, Mike & I think of you often and remember Jack as one very special guy. The times we shared with you and Jack were always fun and anyone could see how happy you were together. Remember those special times and we'll remember Jack, you and your family in our prayers.
Jim and JoAnn Cabell
December 20, 2011
To the Herrin Family, I want to express our condolences to you for your loss. Jack's kindness and his great sense of humor always made him a pleasure to be around. I always considered myself to be very lucky to know Jack. His great story telling was always a great source of entertainment and showed his tremendous insight and understanding of human nature. What a great journey you had, Jack. Job well done, my friend. May the wind always be at your back, and yes those ducks will make one more pass and give you their final salute. Jim and JoAnn Cabell, Nokomis, FL
Dwight and Susan Pfeiffer
December 20, 2011
Just heard about Jack's death. I am so sorry. Jack and I waterfowled together for many years. He was a great shot and a great hunting companion. He was friends with my hunting buddies, who always looked forward to hunting with Jack. (Jack never met a stranger.) He was one of the most distinguished men I have ever met. Kindness, generosity and fun loving best describes Jack. I will really miss Jack. I will always remember his last phone call to me. I was in a treestand, and he talked about coming down for a visit real soon. Our sympathy
Doris K. Price
December 20, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Dave & Cinda (Tarr) Earles
December 20, 2011
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a great guy, very kind, generous and has a special place in our hearts. He was very good to the people in the community and he will truly missed. I have a lot of fond memories of Jack from the time I was growing up and up to the end. May God provide your family with peace and comfort during this sad time.
December 20, 2011
Lisa and Julie,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris (Goldstein) Hughes
Paulette O'Brien
December 20, 2011
Bev and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing...I just love you all so much and miss you. If there is ever anything I can do please call...we are in Fla. about half the time now but the numbers are still the same.
Jack was such a great guy...he will be missed so much.
Love,
Lucille Hundley
December 20, 2011
John, Frank and all your family, I was so sorry to read about your Dad. I have fond memories of school and when my husband worked for Jack. He was a very nice person and will be remembered by all who knew him. Please pass my sympathy to all the family and know that we will keep the memories of your Dad and your family in our hearts.
Lucille Wilson Hundley
December 20, 2011
"Big Jack" was how I greeted Mr.Herrin after he and I befriended each other.I think Jack befriended most people he came into contact with.What an awesome guy to know.We sat in Abe's just last week swapping stories at lunch.He not only had the stories,but had the photos and other memorbilia to back them up.I called him "big Jack" because he had a certain persona about him that just made you want to be around him.He had the "John Wayne" effect on people.He made you feel special and seemed grateful to know you.I sure am glad I got to see him and shake his hand one more time while he was headed for the Herrin Christmas party.It was good to have one last laugh with him.While working at the cemetary a few years back I came upon a tombstone for "Big Jack".The inscription touched my heart so much,I couldn't wait to see my friend again to discuss it with him.God truely blessed Jack in life and in death. So long old friend till we meet again. The Mark Whalen Family
Sharon VanDyke
December 20, 2011
I am so saddened by the passing of Jack, he was a good friend to my husband Dick VanDyke Sr. He stoped by our home a lot on Mechanicsburg Rd. overlooking the river. Those two would set for a couple of hours swaping stories. We always enjoyed seeing him. He was a very plesant guy to be with. Now they are together in Heaven still swaping stories, I`m sure. God Bless his family, he is smileing down on you. Rest in peace my friend!
theresa petrella
December 19, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Herrin was a great gentleman and nice man. I enjoyed just talking to him in walgreens.
He would keep "us girls" amused. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family especially you, Mrs. Herrin.
Take care and may God bless you in the coming weeks and years. love and Sympathy,
theresa (pharmacy tech)
Chuck&Sue McMillan
December 19, 2011
John and Family. Your father was a kind man who made those he knew feel special. He will be missed by all of the people that were touched by his kindness. Our thoughts are with you all, in this time of sorrow.
December 19, 2011
Frank and John, So sorry to hear about your loss. It had been years since we've seen your dad, but always remember how fun he was, from the early Buffalo days! Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Fondly, Holly and Mark Siemert
Mary Meisner
December 19, 2011
John & family,
I was so sorry to read about your dad. He was a great guy! I will keep you and all of your family in my prayers.
John & Mary (McDermott) Meisner & family
jerry kohl
December 19, 2011
he will be missed by every one who knew him.
B. J. Jacob
December 19, 2011
Beverly,
My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of Jack. My thoughts are with you and your family.
B. J. Jacob
December 19, 2011
Frank..We areso sorry to hear about your father. We hope you are doing well. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Diane Schleyhahn & Tony Snow
Ruth Schleyhahn Andrews & Family
Bud Wolfe
December 19, 2011
I feel a big loss when I realize how much I will miss his coming by to visit and our long conversations. What a great friend he was and he will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Jack.
Nestor Gutierrez
December 19, 2011
A greater waterfowler and a great businessman. Hope you find the best duckhole.
Ann Lascody
December 19, 2011
Jack was one of the really really good guys of this world. He will be missed. God bless.
December 19, 2011
We are praying for the Herrin family in this time of sorrow.
Our memories of happy times with Imogene,Joann and Elaine are special. We extend our sympathy to all.
Mike & Melva Jo Sexton Wheaton, IL.
December 19, 2011
John:
Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in heaven that our passed loved ones look through to watch over us on earth.
May your dad's star always shine for you & your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
John & Tia Schoen
Springfield, Il
Byron & Nancy Lester
December 19, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to Jack's family. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of a life well spent.
Carla Jones
December 19, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Gene & Wanda Meurer
December 19, 2011
Our sympathy to Jack's family. Jack and Herrin Fertilizer company contributed significantly to the community. He will be sorely missed.
Kim (Mrozowski) & Russ Patrick
December 19, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss! Jack was a sweet man, I have good memories of him when I was growing up in Whispering Woods!
Ray/Peggy Stewart/Hughes
December 19, 2011
Thinking of you and extending our deepest
sympathy.
Bob Earley
December 19, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Marinda (Bryson) Beccue
December 19, 2011
I'm sorry to learn of your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. My mother, Magdalen (Maggie) Bryson worked for Herrin's in Mt. Pulaski.
Don Hudson
December 19, 2011
To the family of Jack Herrin,
Jack was a great man, super sense of humor, and felt at home with a board member or a an employee. Always treated you fair, and never tried to "Big Time" you.. A generous supporter of Ducks Unlimited, an avid hunter, and sportsman. I was on a pheasant hunting trip to South Dakota, and told a hunter from Nebraska, where I was from. He said, "I only know one man from that part of Illinois, and I'll bet you know him".. That was indeed Jack. He told me several nice stories about Jack, as he was in the Seed and Grain business.. Neither of us were surprised. Jack was a very rare individual, and will be truly missed. Christmas won't be the same from now on. Deepest sympathy to all of Jack's friends and family.. God's speed Jack!
December 19, 2011
beverly im so sorry to hear about Jack...... He was a very good man!!! I had no idea until I went to work tonight at Gabatoni's....I just got home and my heart goes out to you!!! I can say I know some what of what your going through because I found my dad passed away on christmas day in 2001 and I know you loved him as much as I did my Dad .....You guys were so happy together!!!! When you guys came to Gabatonis you lit up the room... My thoughts and prayers are with you !! Rhonda [bartender Gabatonis]
December 18, 2011
B.J., Children, and Elaine - The Herrin Family have all been dear friends of the Dudley's for as many years as my life, if not even longer. Jack was a wonderful and devoted friend to my father, Ernie, visiting him regularly and just days before Dad's hospitalization in September. My love, thoughts and sympathy are with you. Sharon "Dudley" Adee Rockford, IL
December 18, 2011
Our sympathy to all the family especially his three sisters,Imogene, Joann, and Elaine. From your not to distant cousin, Jim Lester. Sorry we are unable to attend the funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack was a good buddy and friend. My Dad ,Gilbert thought the world of him too. Jim & Judy Lester Metropolis, Il.
Bobby & April Dambacher
December 18, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family at this time.
December 18, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to Julie and the rest of her family. Jeanine Wall and Dave Robertson
The Sam Murphy Family
December 18, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the Herrin Family.
chriss tremain
December 18, 2011
To the family of Mr. Herrin, we send our deepest sympathies and our utmost respect to you all. Mr. Herrin was a kind and most of loving man. My mom Regina Dale Lewis Bauereiss knew him and I knew him through her and the "bsclub" at the station in Mechanicsburg. He was a man of many stories and laughs and we all loved to hear them. He will be missed. A cup of coffee for you Mr. Herrin and a smile for sure. Love Chriss Tremain and family
Randy Stokes
December 18, 2011
Jack Herrin was a man's man. Ernest Hemingway and John Wayne would have looked up to him. Lots of macho, but very little baggage. Jack and B J took my son under their wings as if he was one of their own. Hunting trips, ballgames and "Fire Brand" chilli. You name it; it doesn't get any better. He should have been immortal.
Carroll Kreis
December 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 18, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the Herrin family on the loss of a loved one.
Durkin Family
Jason Stokes
December 18, 2011
Jack, though it's been many years, you'll be missed by me and my family. Bev, Kirsten, & Jamie, you have my deepest sympathies on the loss of a great man. I'll never forget the lessons he taught me and the patience he must have had to put up with our troublemaking as kids.
One tiny one - I think of him every time I rake the yard - hearing that gruff guy tell us that we need to go WITH the wind and make some piles brings a smile to my face.
December 18, 2011
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to Beverly and family in the loss of your loved one.
Sara & Paddy Liles, neighbors
Connie Thresher
December 18, 2011
John, BJ & family I don't think I have to tell you how much Jack meant to me. He was not only my employer but one of the best friends I have had. I share in your sorrow. You will all be in my prayers.
david & pam pfeiffer
December 18, 2011
JACK INJOYED LIFE, AND HE DID IT WITH CLASS --RIP
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