November 23, 1937 – October 20, 2023
Robert Warren Herr (Bob), 85, of Bedford, passed away October 20, 2023 at the Stonebridge Health Campus in Bedford. Born in Michigan on November 23, 1937, he was the son of Warren and Naomi (Humbaugh) Herr.
Bob graduated from Bedford High School in 1955. He then graduated from General Motors Institute (Kettering University), where he received a BS in mechanical engineering degree. He also had various graduate courses at the University of Michigan and Ohio State.
While in Bedford, he served on the School Board, Jaycees, Rotary Club, and varies civic clubs. He enjoyed a 37-year career in the Foundry Division of General Motors starting as a GMI co-op student and finishing as Plant Manager of the Bedford plant. The following is a summary of his work experience at General Motors. He was first a Manufacturing Supervisor in aluminum die-casting, then a Superintendent of Manufacturing followed by a Production Manager. He was then General Superintendent of the Bedford plant after which he was the Superintendent of the Danville, IL plant. He continued as Plant manager of the Pontiac Michigan Foundry and was then Plant Manager of the Danville, IL Foundry, and became Manager of the Bedford plant where he retired in September of 1992.
Bob continued his career in consulting. He was Plant Manager of Contech, a division of the SPX Corporation, recruited to be Manager of their 2 die-casting plants, manufacturing steering and automobile parts. He continued as Executive Vice President and COO at CMI International. He directed CMI’s operations which included 10 manufacturing plants and 2 equipment build operations with 4500 employees that were acquisitioned by Hayes-Lemmerz Corporation. Bob was a consultant for this corporation where he was President of North American Aluminum Wheel Group. He continued at Georgia Ductile Iron, consulting as General Manager. He was a member of the American Foundry Man’s Society, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Ductile Iron Society, The Foundry Association, and the North American Die-Casting Association.
Bob is survived by his wife Phyllis and children Karen Hembree (Fred) of New Palestine, Jonathan Herr (Joni) of Vincennes, Robert Herr (LeAnn) of Bedford, and Christa Fulkerson (Brandon) of Bedford; as well as Mike Simpson (Jackie) of Fishers, Troy Simpson (Shannon) of Bedford, and Kenny Simpson, of Bedford; grandchildren, Thomas Herr (Danielle), Stephen Hembree (Tori), Justin Hembree (Priyanka), Nathan and Morgan Herr, Grace and Gabe Fulkerson, Ashle’ Stalder (Derrick), Kenneth Scott Simpson (Amanda) and Grant Simpson; five great-grandchildren; sister, Sara LuAllen; sister-in-law, Shirley Herr; brother-in-law David McPike; and several nieces and nephews; chosen family, Mike Eshbach (Melissa), Evan and Emily.
Preceding Bob in death are his parents, Warren and Naomi Herr; brother, Randall Herr; and sister, Sharon McPike.
Special thank you to Stonebridge Health Campus, nurses, aides, activity coordinators and for the good food.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Bedford Free Methodist Church with Pastor Adam Strauser officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, also at Free Methodist Church. All who wish to express memories at the service are welcome to speak. Bob will be laid to rest at Cresthaven Memorial Gardens at a graveside service immediately following the funeral.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ferguson-Lee Chapel for the creation of a scholarship in the name of Bob & Phyllis Herr.
It is so sad to endure these events, but Christ died and rose again and is alive. When our last breath on earth is taken, we go right into our heavenly life with the Lord in Heaven.
Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford has been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Herr.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.FergusonLee.com.
