Richard Herbst
Bethalto |
Richard C. Herbst, 86, died at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at his home in Bethalto. Born March 29, 1925 in Alton, he was the son of John Henry and Lora (Hansell) Herbst. He attended Alton public schools and graduated from Alton High School in June, 1943. Mr. Herbst entered the U.S. Army on January 18, 1944 and served as an infantry machine gunner in the 87th Infantry Division from January 1945 until the end of the war. He was awarded the Bronze Star, medals for good conduct, as well as medals for the American Theater, European Theater, with three battle stars, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Germany, and a Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on March 20, 1946. An avid reader, Mr. Herbst loved books and had a small home library. He also enjoyed art and music and attended Bethel General Baptist Church in Bethalto. He was employed by several companies including Shell Oil and McDonnell-Douglas where he worked as an industrial artist, retiring in 1990. On September 16, 1950 in Alton, he married the former Vivian Reed. She survives. Also surviving are three sons, Alan Herbst and his wife Mona of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Mark Herbst and his wife Lynette of Sherwood, Arkansas, and David Herbst and his wife Kim of Elkland, MO, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Martha and Clarence Gerdt of Bethalto, sister-in-law, Linda Reed of Dow and 11 beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Oscar and Lois Reed. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday. Pastor Pat Heston will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to Bethel General Baptist Church in Bethalto or to Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
