Richard C. Herslow

Richard “Dick” Clark Herslow, 84, of Avon, Illinois, died peacefully at home, Monday, July 27, 2026 at 9:10 am, surrounded with family by his side.

Richard was born August 21, 1941 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Gerald Leslie and Nora Lucille (Clark) Herslow. Richard enlisted in the US Navy on September 3, 1952 and was honorably discharged on August 7, 1962. Richard married his first wife Joyce Randall from Avon, Illinois. He later married Phyliss Marie Hines from West Liberty, Iowa and relocated to Texas. Later in life, he remarried to the love of his life, Ollie Carol Sanford on August 30, 2000 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She preceded him in death on January 4, 2002 whereafter he remained widowed.

Richard is survived by his children; four daughters, Jerri (William Villarreal) Herslow of Galesburg, Esther (Earl Scott Barker) Herslow of Canton, Illinois, Veronica (Joshua Johnson) Herslow of Galesburg, and Amanda (Billy Shane) Wilkinson of Diboll, Texas; and one son, James (Crystal) DeLap of Taylor Ridge, Illinois. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Cassandra Headley, Katelynn (Larry) Partain, James DeLap, Amber (Daniel Reynolds), Evan Andrew Bush, Jenson Reid Haynes, Braden Earl Barker, Joseph Gunn Laubert, Kathryne (Bryce Hensley) Herslow; and six great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Neil Herslow of Prescott, Arizona; and his children, Wendy (Tom Corcoran) Cagle, Tiffany (Roger Lamb) Temple, and Misty (Phillip) Rayer; eight great nieces and nephews; one great great nephew; not to mention Dick’s large extended family in Texas. Along with his wife Carol, Richard was preceded in death by his father Gerald Herslow; and his mother and stepfather, Nora and Robert “Bob” Berg.

Richard worked as a mechanic at Weaver Yemm in Galesburg for many years before moving to Texas. He transitioned into trucking where he owned and operated Martin Automotive in Onalaska, Texas. He most notably working for J & B Jones Trucking in Macomb, Illinois and last worked at Waller Farms in Marietta, Illinois. He learned that he had a true passion for farming and was grateful for those he met and bonded with throughout his career. After retirement, Richard enjoyed spending time at local restaurants with friends. When he wasn’t at the restaurants socializing, you could usually find him tinkering around in the garage or basking in the warm sunshine on his front/back porch. Richard will long be remembered for his ornery and sarcastic demeanor, always causing trouble (the good kind), and the fact that he never knew a stranger.

Cremation will be accorded. Private burial of cremated remains will be next to his wife Carol at Union Springs Cemetery, Corrigan, Texas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy and stories may be shared at www.watsonthomas.com.