Herb was born February 18, 1949 in East St. Louis, IL to Raymond Willette and Annie Murphy Kelso. They both preceded him in death.
He married Brenda Deering on October 9, 1970 in East St. Louis, IL. She survives and resides in Fairview Heights, IL. Together, they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Also surviving is his son, Aaron Willette (Jayne Rettle); grandsons, Troy and Kyle DeRossett; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Connie (Richard) Maker, Patricia Wilson, Priscilla (Jimmy) Tucker, Kay (Larry) Nichols and Frank Willette.
Herb attended and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. He was the lead mechanic for the City of Fairview Heights for 38 years. He also was a part-time Mt. Olive police officer, with 25 years of dedicated service. He served and retired from the Fairview Heights Fire Department after 10 years. Herb was a member of the Fairview Heights Elks Lodge #664 and within his 25 years, he held various positions, including trustee on the board of directors, lecturing knight, bar manager and also worked in the kitchen for their catered events. He was a member of the Blue Knights IL 14 Chapel Motorcycle Club.
Herb was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed working on cars, riding his Harley and being around friends. He was always ready to help others and share a good joke. We have some fond and funny memories of him and will always remember those special times.
In lieu of flower, please consider a memorial donation to the Elks Children Care Corp. Additional condolences may be sent to Herb’s family through this online guestbook.
VISITATION: A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 11:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL 62208.
SERVICE: A memorial service will be held following the visitation, at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
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