Herschel Lee Creech

Herschel Lee Creech, was born December 30, 1934 in Cooter, Missouri to the union of Jesse Elvin and Ruby Lillian (Polk) Creech. Herschel grew up in the Missouri Bootheel area and graduated from Steel High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation, Herschel moved to Michigan to get work and in May 1956, Herschel joined the United States Army where he spent the next 20 years faithfully serving his country. For his service, he earned the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received his honorable discharge in 1976. While in Michigan, Herschel met Bonnie Jaggers at church. They were married on Christmas Day, 1956. They shared over 55 years of marriage together and were blessed with five children: Herschel, Steven, Dana, Georganna and Ronald. Herschel and the family eventually settled in the Waynesville / Fort Leonard Wood area and he worked on post as a 1st Cook in the Mess Hall. He retired in 2009. In his spare time, Herschel enjoyed reading. He was a well read and self-taught man. He also liked to be outdoors while fishing. Herschel passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012 in the Dixon Nursing and Rehab Center of Dixon, Missouri having attained the age of 77 years, 3 months and 15 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Herschel is survived by his wife, Bonnie Creech of Dixon, MO; five children: Herschel Lynn Creech (Mary) of Waterloo, IA, Steven Vaughn Creech of Springfield, MO, Dana Sue Miller (Brent) of Gaithersburg, MD, Georganna Myers (Daniel) of Springfield, MO and Ronald Dexter Creech (Mandy) of Farmington, AR; eight siblings: Richard Creech of the state of Ohio, Herman Creech of the state of Alabama, Juanita Lewis of the state of Ohio, Jeffrey Creech of the state of Michigan, Vivian Goodman of the state of Missouri, Judy Mack of the state of Maryland, Marilyn Dietzler of the state of Florida and Carolyn Blas of the state of Ohio; 7 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Herschel was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Ellen Pegg, Harold Creech and Douglas Creech. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Steve Lynch officiating. The songs “Beulah Land”, “Amazing Grace” and “Peace in the Valley” were played. Serving as escorts were Herman, Richard, Jeffery and Lawrence Creech, Gabriel Miller and Daniel Myers. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.