Obituary of Roger Dean Herrin

January 30, 1937 — July 16, 2023

Dr. Roger Dean Herrin (Doc), has now joined his father Clarence (Dud) Herrin, mother, Nigel Blaine Herrin, and his son, Michael B. Herrin, as he took his last breath and passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.
Doc was a podiatrist, bank owner, nursing home owner, and one of the most influential people to the area and the state of Illinois.
Dr. Herrin was born January 30, 1937 in Cave in Rock, Illinois in Hardin County.
He married his wife, Cathy Leverett Herrin, on January 31, 2015, who survives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Peggy (sister); James Marvin (brother-in-law); and son, Michael Herrin.
Roger graduated from Cave-in-Rock High School in 1955 as the Salutatorian. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree from Bethel College in 1960. He continued his education with graduate work at DePaul University, Roosevelt University, Elmhurst College, and Northwestern University. He then earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, from Illinois College, in 1969 where he received the highest and last Dr. L.R. McCain Award for proficiency in Surgical Anatomy and Surgery. He also co-authored a textbook with Dr. Glenn Seaborg which was used at many universities.
Doc served as chairman of the Science Department and Head Basketball Coach at Lagrange High School from 1958-1963. He was appointed to the Illinois Health Facilities Authority where he served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Underwriting Committee from 1973-1979. He was instrumental in the formation of the Harrisburg Medical Center where he served on staff, as well as the Hardin County General Hospital staff.
Roger was a member of the Illinois Healthcare Reform Taskforce and President of both RDK Management Inc. and ComBank Inc. He was also a member of IPS, APA, and numerous other state and national associations. He was a consultant for Vienna Correctional Center, US Forestry Service, and the Federal Prison in Marion, Illinois. He worked tirelessly with Harrisburg Unit 3 for the formation of organized Soccer, as well as assisting Harrisburg schools and other districts in obtaining grant funds from the State for needed projects in their districts.
Dr. Herrin also started and sponsors the Michael Herrin Soccer Tournament in the memory of his son. This tournament is one of the premiere soccer tournaments in the Tri-State and has continued for the past fifteen years.
Roger Herrin’s generosity and giving nature was a testament to the type of man he truly was. However, with all those accomplishments, what gave Dr. Herrin his greatest joy was being with his wife, family, children, grandchildren, friends, and his puppy “Tiffy”. Watching them succeed and experience joy gave him great joy. He did everything in his power to ensure that the people in his life were without need.
The world loses a fine man with the loss of Roger Dean Herrin, but the people who loved and cared for him have lost so much more. He will truly be missed by many,
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Harrisburg High School from 5-7 p.m. for the general public. Graveside service will be a private family service. Cox and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Harrisburg High School Soccer Team.

Contact info:
Harrisburg Unit #3 Schools
ATTN: Lenae Milam
411 W. Poplar Street
Harrisburg, Illinois 62946
Please put soccer team donation in memory of Doc Herrin in memo.

OR, donate to:
Hardin County Golden Circle
129 IL RT 146 E
Elizabethtown, Illinois 62931

To buy gifts and flowers locally, visit www.RosiclareFlowerBasket.net .