Donald H. “Donnie” Herrell, co-owner of H.W. Herrell Distributing Co. in Imperial, died suddenly Monday (Aug. 12) at his Hillsboro home.
Mr. Herrell, 63, had been a co-owner of the 90-year-old beer distributing company for 40-plus years.
The company, 1002 White Ave., was established in 1923, by Mr. Herrell’s grandparents, the late Harvey W. and Irma Herrell, according to its website.
Mr. Herrell’s father, the late Donald C. “Big Don” Herrell, became president of the company in 1963, and he and Irma took over the operation after Harvey W. Herrell died in August 1968, the website said.
In 1970, Donnie Herrell joined his father and grandmother in the business. Then, after Big Don died in September 1988, Donnie Herrell became president and CEO and took over operation of the company, along with his grandmother, until her death in January 1989, according to the website.
Donnie Herrell was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Imperial and the Festus-Crystal City and Meramec Arnold Elks lodges.
He is survived by his wife, Helen “Donna” (Cooper) Herrell of Hillsboro; two daughters: Darlene Herrell of Barnhart and Terri L. Streb of Imperial; two sons: Jimmy W. (Pam) Herrell of Barnhart and Mark E. Herrell of St. Louis; a sister, Carol Ann Schanz of Barnhart; and several grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Friday (Aug. 16) at the Festus-Crystal Elks Lodge, 4 Elk Drive, in Crystal City, followed by the funeral at 7 p.m.
Memorials may be made to L.E.A.P. (Lancer endowment fund), c/o St. Pius High School, 1030 St. Pius Dr., Festus, 63028.