John Ray Herring (69) of Neoga

John Ray Herring, 69, of Neoga, Illinois passed away at 7:50 PM Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.

John was born May 4 1950 in Chester, Illinois, the son of Howard E. and Mary G. (Berndt) Herring. Mr. Herring was a retired maintenance worker at Vesuvius in Charleston, Illinois. He married Mary A. Hardesty on December 26, 1970 in Neoga, Illinois. John served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Mr. Herring was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Neoga, Illinois, a Chaplain for Illinois Disaster Relief, A Associate Southern Baptist Pastor and a Purple Heart Recipient. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and feeding birds, he especially enjoyed his family and church and was very proud of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Hardesty of Neoga, Illinois; children, Tammy L. Deters, Amy J. Herring and Josh R. Herring all of Neoga, Illinois; grandchildren, Macy L. Miller, Hunter C. Miller, Cheyanne R. Pilcher, Brittany A. Herring and Brandi K. Herring; brother, Randy Herring (Jackie) of Neoga, Illinois; sisters, Patty Robinson (Gerald) of Canal Fulton, Ohio and Vickie Rahn (Fred) of Neoga, Illinois; several neices and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Howard Herring Jr.; and sister, Carol Mefford.

Memorials are suggested to the family C/O Mary Herring 1242 Willow, Neoga, Illinois 62447.

Due to the Coronavirus 19 Mandates there will be no visitation or services at this time. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date. The Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.