Norman E. “Gene” Herron, 83, of Alvin, IL, passed away at 3:25 P.M. Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Goldwater Care in Danville, IL. He was born April 15, 1941, in Campbellsville, KY, the son of Robert Leslie and Hazel (Campbell) Herron. He married Patricia “Patty” Myler on September 15, 1963, at the Antioch Church of Christ in rural Rossville, IL. She survives in Alvin.
He is also survived by two daughters, Tish (Bob) Link of Alvin, IL and Patches “Peanut” (Chris) Reeves of Lexington, KY; one son, Jason (Stephanie) Herron of Potomac, IL; four sisters, Joann (Gordan) Alexander of Jamesburg, IL, Barbara (Chuck) Gastent of Westville, IL, Brenda (Bill) Forshire of Danville, IL, and Janet JaRue of Columbia, Ky; two brothers, Bobby Herron of Advance, IN and Jeffrey (Kelly) Herron of Columbia, KY; fourteen grandchildren, Justin (Katey) Olson of TX, Bailey (Steve) Pierce of Covington, IN, Shelby (Trevor) Jones of Cynthiana, KY, Charley (Sam) Shoaf of Whitestown, IN, Jacob (Elizabeth) Link of Alvin, IL, Kenzy (Knox) Tucker of Kalamazoo, MI, Rachel (Cooper) Link of Tilton, IL, Matthew (Lilly) Link of Hoopeston, IL, Amanda (Allan) Shepherd of Danville, IL, Taylor (Emerson) Grey of Crawfordsville, IN, Riley (Johana) Bishop of Sweden, Jonathan Reeves of Sullivan, IN, Jordan Reeves of Lexington, KY, and Josie Reeves of Lexington, KY; fourteen great-grandchildren, Tyler Adam, Serenity Link, Journey Link, Benny Webb Jr, Oliver Pierce, Avery Pierce, Delaney Shoaf, Rory Shoaf, Poppy Olson, Hazel Grey, Parker Bishop, Conner Reeves, Nikolas Shepherd, and Caden Shepherd; and three great-great-grandchildren, Lylee, Easton, and Ava Shepherd. Gene is also survived by numerous brothers-in law, sisters-in law, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; two infant daughters, Jody Lynn, and Jeannine Marie; one grandson, Kyle Clingan; five sisters, Helen South, Shirley O’Banion, Doris Rector, Linda Gaskins, and Mary Lou Langellier; and five brothers, Bill, Roy, Larry, Danny, and James Robert Herron.
Gene was an independent professional truck driver for sixty years. He served in the United States Army where he was proud to serve as the General’s personal driver. He attended the Church of God in Alvin. He enjoyed attending dirt track races with his son-in-law, Bob. In his younger years, he could be found polishing cars or working on one with his special friend, Rick Watson. Later, he thoroughly enjoyed watching Barrett Jackson auctions. He and his fur babies, Clarissa and Sigmond were the unofficial neighborhood watch. He enjoyed watching the squirrels and rabbits in between naps as he would sit in his lawn chair in his garage or at the kitchen table enjoying a cup of coffee.
Visitation will be held 9:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M. Saturday February 22, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Dan Hunt officiating. Burial will follow in the Potomac Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Gene to the Alvin Church of God Youth Camp.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Gene’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
