Herschel TribbeyHerschel Tribbey
Herschel E. Tribbey, 90, of Rushville died at 4 p.m. May 3, 2010, at Culbertson Long Term Care Facility in Rushville.
He was born April 16, 1920, in Frederick, a son of Oltis and Rosa Brines Tribbey. He married Lillian Aden on Sept. 1, 1946, in Golden. She preceded him in death on Aug. 15, 2007.
Surviving are five children: Allen (and Sherry) Tribbey of Carthage, Texas, Barbara (and Harold) Sargent of Libertyville, Richard Tribbey of Victoria, Texas, John (and Linda) Tribbey of Rushville and Jerry (and Denise) Tribbey of Horicon, Wis.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Benjamin Sargent and David Tribbey; and one brother, Kenneth Tribbey.
A World War II veteran, he served in Australia, New Guinea, Biak and the Philippines.
He attended White Oak School and was a 1938 graduate of Rushville High School.
In 1938, he took over his father’s 240-acre farming operation.
He and his wife purchased their own farm in 1953 and started Tribbey Dairy. He started Tribbey Implement in 1955 as a John Deere dealer. He later added the Pontiac line of cars, GMC trucks and other brands of farm implements.
He operated the agriculture business for 18 years to the day continuing the Pontiac business until retiring in 1986. At the same time, he operated a 400-tree peach orchard, raised catfish, strawberries, raspberries and bees.
He began limited farming again in 1986. He also refinished furniture and cane chairs. Along with the Walker, Peterson and Sargent families, he helped with the ongoing restoration of the White Oak School and worked for its successful inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
He was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rushville, Illinois Implement Dealers Association, Illinois Automotive Association and a twice monthly Somerset club.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at his church with Reverend John E. Sowers officiating. Burial will follow in Rushville City Cemetery with military rites by the U.S. Army Burial Detail and Schuyler American Legion Post #4. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Culbertson Long Term Care Facility or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.