Herschel Stivers

Herschel B. Stivers, 74, was born in Billet, IL and raised in nearby Lawrenceville, IL. He married Nancy (nee: Cutshall) Stivers on December 27, 1958.He is survived by Nancy, sons Robert and Jerry (Vikki) Stivers, daughter Anita Miles, sisters Coenette and Donna (Jim) Bottiger, five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Herschel served in the US Air Force for 4 years, where he was also involved in sports and took some college classes. He was successfully active in all sports, including golf and tennis, but particularly in football and basketball.

He worked with Nichols Engineering for 12 years and through Nichols he was active in Winston Cup Racing and served as crew chief for teams. He built and raced dragsters with friend Dick Carnett for ten years and won many trophies. He went to Night School through Indiana State and ended up with a Master’s Degree plus 45.

He took over Hammond Tech Auto Shop in 1970 and turned it into a top rated auto shop in the state as well as

the nation. His shop was certified in all eight ASE areas. His students won the State Trouble Shooting Contest over 15 times and earned trips to Nationals. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1990. He had a superior shop and teachers from surrounding states came to visit, inspect and seek advice. He served on Purdue’s Advisory Board for many years. He also served on the Indiana Board to inspect autoshops and pass or fail them for certification. He coached football at Hammond Tech, Lake Central one year and Thornton Community College.

Viewing will be from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Schererville, IN. Funeral visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the 10:30 AM service time on Friday, February 18, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Puent officiating. All are invited to join in the funeral dinner at the Dyer United Methodist Church at 12:00 Noon on Friday after the service. Dyer UMC is located on Church Street just beyond the Exxon station on US 30 going west.

In lieu of flowers preferred memorials of potted plants, perennials for a memorial garden, donations for Regency Nursing Home in Dyer or the Cancer Society would be appreciated