David Earl Herdes Sr., 70, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Saturday evening, April 4, 2026, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
He was born June 16, 1955, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Earl Monroe and Lelia Mae (Mitchel) Herdes.
David had a longtime connection to Sailor Springs Christian Church. At the age of 11, he accepted Jesus and was baptized there. He lived his faith in a quiet and steady way and often expressed it through the music he played, as well as in the down-to-earth values and beliefs he carried throughout his life.
David was a 1973 graduate of Clay City High School. In his younger years, he moved from Clay County to Indiantown, Florida, where he worked in a steel mill. In 1975, he was united in marriage to Kay A. Shropshire in Indiantown, Florida. They shared 15 years of marriage and welcomed one daughter, Karita Dawn Herdes, in 1976. After a few years, he transferred to another steel mill in Flowood, Mississippi, where he worked in the melt shop and was eventually promoted to Melt Shop Superintendent.
He was united in marriage to Peggy J. Gardner in 1991 in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Shortly after they were married, they had David Jr. in 1991 and Lelia in 1992. David returned home to Clay City, Illinois, where he worked in the oil fields as a tank truck driver. Before retiring, he also worked at North American Lighting as a material handler for many years. David and Peggy shared 16 wedding anniversaries until her passing on August 25, 2007.
Music was always an important part of David’s life. He could play a number of instruments, with a special fondness for anything with strings. He was often heard playing guitar, harmonica and the piano. He spent many hours making music with friends and sharing his talent at area concerts, festivals and churches. Over the years, he was part of the Bakwoods Band (while in MS) and the Little Wabash River Band (while in IL).
He enjoyed staying busy and had many interests through the years. In the past, he loved horseback riding, trail rides, and horse shows. He also enjoyed fast cars and drag racing and held onto fond memories of a favorite 1965 Fastback Mustang he once drove. He liked spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, and, along with Peggy, truly appreciated the simple things in life. David was the kind of person who liked to work with his hands, doing mechanical work and fixing and tinkering with just about anything.
David will be remembered as a man who valued faith, family and treasured the good music and friendships that brought him together with others. He was a man that was never afraid to speak his mind.
He is survived by his children Karita Dawn (Brad) Herdes Stevens of Puckett, Mississippi; David Earl (Charie J) Herdes Jr. of Clay City, Illinois and Lelia Rochelle Herdes Newman of Fairfield, Illinois; grandchildren Tyler Stevens, Dillon Stevens, Lucas Stevens and Austin David Newman; a sister, Darlene Herdes Pierson of Flora, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife (Peggy) and two sisters, Donna Herdes and Dionne Herdes Creamer.
A funeral ceremony will begin at 12 noon on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Sailor Springs Christian Church with Tim Schnautz officiating. Interment will follow in Smith Cemetery, Clay City. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Sailor Springs Christian Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.
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