Robert Eugene "Bob" Hernbeck

Herrin- Robert Eugene Bob Hernbeck, 85, of Herrin, passed away at 1:30 PM, Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the VA Nursing Center in Marion. Robert was born on October 2, 1925 at Taylor Crossing to William Cooper & Myrtle (Sizemore) Hernbeck. He married Aline Ruth Barlow on June 12, 1943 in Herrin. Together they shared sixty seven years together. He was a WWII Army Veteran who served his country bravely while stationed in Germany as a radio/communications specialist. He was discharged as a first sergeant and returned home to work various jobs before being hired at Norge Company in Herrin. He worked there as a foreman/supervisor before retiring in 1987. Once retired, he worked as a security guard for various local mines until retiring again at the age of 82. He enjoyed watching over his family and making sure they were safe, following the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, listening to gospel music, going on long rides on rainy days, and bowling. Bob was a sixty plus year member of Energy First Baptist Church and the Herrin American Legion Post. Survivors include- Wife- Aline Hernbeck of Herrin Son- Gary Hernbeck and wife Sheila of Herrin Daughter- Cheryl Knott & husband Don of Terre Haute, IN Daughter- Patty Duncan & husband Dale of Herrin Daughter- Crystal Ritchason & husband Gary of Jasper, AL Eleven Grandchildren: Scott Hernbeck & wife Cathy of Brentwood, TN Tanya Nickens & fiance Steven Pierce of Herrin Sadie Hunsaker & husband John of Herrin Michelle Hudson & husband Mark of Terre Haute, IN Teresa Batchelor & husband Donnie of Carbon, IN Tara Hatley & husband Nick of Pomona Devin Duncan of Herrin Torry Duncan & wife Mary Lou of Arnold, MO Billy Duncan of Carterville Lindsay & Joseph Ritchason of Jasper, AL Twenty One Great Grandchildren Brother- Lloyd Hernbeck of Cambria Brother- Don Hernbeck of Marion Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchild- Don Nickens, sisters in infancy- Lillian, Louis and Ruth, and sisters- Ina Sander and Beulah Rushing and brother- William Henbeck. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Jim Wright and Pastor John Yeo will co-officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military rites performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Energy First Baptist Church and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL.