Herbert L. Boone, 86, cherished husband, beloved father and doting grandfather passed away on May 29th after a long but brave fight with kidney disease.
Herb is survived by his treasured wife of 66 years, Mary Lou (Wessels) of Knoxville, his four children: Steve (Linda) of Dunlap, Patricia (Steve) Bates of Galesburg, Linda (Steve) Carter of Knoxville and Michael (Terrence) of Chicago. Herb is also survived by six grandchildren he loved to spoil: Joe Carter and Kelly Carter of Orlando, Fla., Shawn Bates of Chicago, Karley Bates of Peoria, Danika Boone and Andy Boone both of Dunlap. In addition Herb is survived by his sister, Louise Brady of Louisville, Ky, two brothers: Earl Boone and LeRoy Boone both of Galesburg.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents (Ray and Julia Boone), two sisters: Mary Boone and Esther Childress, one brother, Joe Boone, two brothers-in law: Jim Brady and R.A. Childress, two sisters-n law: Donna Boone and Marge Boone, and three grandchildren: Steven, Patrick and Katie.
Herb was born at home on December 4, 1932 and spent most of his early childhood in the hills of New Haven, Ky. When Herb was 12 his family moved to Galesburg where his father began working for the railroad. Herb attended St. Joseph Academy where he met his “Sweetheart” and future wife, Mary Lou. Herb went on to attend Corpus Christi High School where he was active in all sports and served as co-captain of the football team during the 1951 season. Herb and Mary Lou also served as King and Queen of their senior year Homecoming in 1952.
After marrying Mary Lou back in 1953, Herb was employed at Gale Products/OMC for 42 years where he worked his way up to Department Supervisor and then later to Plant Superintendant. For 12 of those years he was transferred up to New London, WI. Family meant everything to Herb so after he retired they moved back and settled in Knoxville to be closer to their children and grandkids. In addition to spoiling his grandkids Herb was an avid sports fan, loved horse racing and watching old westerns. Dad, somewhere in Heaven there’s a sturdy chair and an all-western channel with your name on it. You are dearly loved and will be missed!
Visitation will be at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home on Monday, June 3 from 11am to 1 p.m. The rosary will be prayed at 1 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 2 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or to a charity of the donors choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
