Herschel Morris Lyerla
Herschel Morris Lyerla, 75, of Chatham, and formerly of Cobden and New Orleans, La., died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at his home.
He was born on Oct. 18, 1941, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Leland and Myrtle Sisk Lyerla.
He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Ralph; and sisters Frieda Qualls, Bonnie Sheets and Thelma Skaggs.
He and Adell Mary House married on Feb. 20, 1993.
He attended Anna-Jonesboro Community High School before he went into the U.S. Navy. Mr. Lyerla worked in the lab for the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation, until he retired in 1999.
He enjoyed music his entire life; he played drums, guitar, mandolin and sang in several country western and gospel bands. Later in life, he worshipped God with his musical gifts in churches throughout Southern Illinois.
Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Adell of Chatham; a son, Aaron (Chi) Lyerla of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughters Lesley Lyerla of Livingston, La., and Shelly (Todd) Cleveland of Maurepas, La.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers Don (Juanita) Lyerla of Cuba, Mo., Victor (Glenda) Lyerla of Phenix City, Ala., Harold (Lawanda) Lyerla of Alto Pass, Curtis Lyerla of Cobden, Jim (Brenda) Lyerla of Alto Pass; sisters Sherry (Rod) Wofford of Farmington, Mo., Shelba Vandergraph of Farmington, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Caronna of College Station, Texas and Laura (Joe) Guidry of Bedico, La.
Cremation rites were accorded before all services. His family will greet friends at a memorial gathering Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial at 11 a.m. at the Alto Pass Pentecostal Church, 220 Chestnut St., Alto Pass, with the Rev. Bill Carter officiating. Burial of his urn will follow at the Alto Pass Cemetery.
Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham is in charge of arrangements. Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home are in charge of local arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Alto Pass Pentecostal Church.
To offer condolences, visit www.staabpolk.com and www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.