Robert Thomas Herd, Sr. was born on September 29, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Emil Herd and Marie (Klingler) Herd. He had two older siblings, the late Joyce McKenzie and the late James Herd.
Robert was an all-star athlete at Ritenour High School, where he played varsity football and excelled in wrestling, earning third and fourth place finishes in the Missouri State Wrestling Tournament. He graduated in 1955.
Robert then attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he met his future wife, MaryAnna, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Robert and MaryAnna Doerr were married on August 20, 1960, in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Robert’s first teaching position was at Simmons Junior High in Aurora, Illinois, where he started the school’s first wrestling program. While working full-time, he attended Northern Illinois University and earned his Master’s Degree. During their five years in Aurora, they welcomed two sons, Robert Thomas Herd Jr. (Robby) and Barry Doerr Herd.
Robert and his family moved to St. Louis in 1966 and he began his employment at Lindbergh High School. He served as a teacher, football coach, and wrestling coach for 35 years. He mentored countless young athletes and positively influenced many lives. In St. Louis, Robert and MaryAnna welcomed their daughter, LeeAnna (Thessing).
While at Lindbergh, Robert met the parents of one of his students, Betty and Clyde Chiles. Clyde, an evangelist, greatly influenced Robert’s walk with the Lord. On May 24, 1977, at the age of 40, Robert accepted Christ as his Savior during one of Clyde’s revival meetings.
Robert was a true patriot who deeply loved his country. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He took many fishing trips to Canada and loved deer hunting at his brother’s farm in Northern Missouri. For 35 years during summer breaks, Robert worked for Funk’s and Pioneer Seed Companies. Working in the cornfields was demanding but rewarding work that took him throughout several states and into Canada.
Robert began attending First Baptist Church of Arnold through an invitation from Bob and Barbara Walker. He faithfully served the church as a Sunday School teacher for ten years and as a deacon for twenty-nine years. He also attended Evangelism Explosion classes, where he developed a deep love for studying God’s Word, and later faithfully participated in Bible Study Fellowship for more than thirty years. Robert went on numerous mission trips, including one especially meaningful trip to Guatemala with his oldest son, Robby.
Robert became very active in the Gideons International Ministry, where he helped distribute thousands of Bibles in hotels, schools, and communities. He served as Scripture Chairman of the Gideons South County Camp for twenty-three years and was still giving out bibles until the last year of his life. Robert also participated in a prison ministry where he collected more than 2,600 worn Bibles, restored them, and prepared them for distribution in prisons.
Few people knew the many things Robert did privately to advance the Kingdom of God. He gave away cars to those in need, provided financial assistance to struggling families, and generously gave of his time. He was passionate about sharing the love of Christ in tangible and practical ways.
Although he loved his church home at First Baptist Church of Arnold, Robert also devoted significant time to Carondelet Baptist Church, where he volunteered on numerous remodeling projects and became actively involved in the church family. He developed a special love for this inner-city ministry, where he faithfully invested his time, resources, and talents.
Robert often said that his greatest accomplishments were his three children—Robert Thomas Herd Jr., Barry Doerr Herd, and LeeAnna Thessing—because all three are walking with the Lord. He also loved and appreciated his daughters-in-law, Rhonda Herd and Cindy Herd, and his son-in-law, Brad Thessing, who became cherished members of the family.
Robert deeply loved and adored his grandchildren: Emily Herd, Shannon Herd, Ashley Herd, Elle Herd, Savannah Thessing, and Bradley Thessing. Robert often said he had a seventh grandchild, Luisa Rodas, whom he met on mission trips to Guatemala and remains close to the family.
We can have peace and true joy knowing that Robert Herd is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, and with many whose lives were impacted by his faithful witness and service.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21
Services; A Memorial visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Arnold on Tuesday, July 7th from 10AM until time of service at 11AM.