Ernest John Herigon

Ernest John Herigon, age 93, of Boonville passed away early Sunday morning, September 16, 2018, at Cooper County Memorial Hospital Extended Care where he had been for the last year. 

Ernest “Ernie” was born August 6, 1925, in Montrose, MO, the son of Phillip and Mary Luebbering Herigon.  Ernie joined the United States Army and served for 2 ½ years.  He was stationed in Guam in World War II.  Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Gertrude Morrison on December 27, 1949.  They settled in Boonville and enjoyed 68 years together.  Ernie worked for Missouri Training School as dairy supervisor for 19 years.  He then owned and operated the Fina station on Highway 87 for 11 years. Following this, he worked for University of Missouri for 6 years and retired from there.  Ernie enjoyed coon hunting, horseback riding, woodworking, gardening, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Despite his many hobbies, Ernie wasn’t content not working and helped a local farmer for 12 years until his physical health would no longer allow him to do so.  He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Boot & Saddle Club.  Ernie never knew a stranger and always had a smile for you.  He had a very ornery streak and loved to aggravate.   He never complained and was proud of his lifetime of work and family. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and one grandchild.  He is survived by his wife Gertrude of the home, five sisters—Josephine Wolken of California, Ann Gasperson of Columbia, Florence Weber of Glasgow, Irene Wolz of Glasgow, and Mary Jane Gudde of Holden, three brothers—Clarence Herigon of Boonville, Gene Herigon of Bunceton, and Bob Herigon of Boonville.  He is also survived by one daughter, Marilyn (Bill) Geiger of Boonville, and three sons—Steve (Sue Ann) Herigon of Columbia, Bill (Helen) Herigon of Fulton, and Dennis (Karen) Herigon of Boonville.  Also, 10 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 10 step great-grandchildren. 

Visitation for Ernie will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 20 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church followed immediately by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.  

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hartman Village or SS Peter and Paul Catholic School. 

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