Ferrell Kim Herrick, the son of Sidney Ferrell and Katherine Maxine (Shelby) Herrick, was born September 21, 1941, in Mary-ville, Missouri. Kim attended Westboro High School, Westboro, Missouri, graduating in 1959. He then attended Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri, but Kim always attributed the bulk of his education to “The school of hard knocks.”
In 1960, Kim was united in marriage to Judith Marie Stubbs and became the parents of three children, Michael Kim, Kristina Ranae, and Shelby Wayne. They later divorced. In 1997, Kim met his best friend and companion, Debra Sue Beckman. They spent 26 wonderful years together.
Kim was the owner and operator of Herrick Feed Produce, later known as Westboro and Tarkio Ag Service. He was then employed by Helena Agriculture, retiring in 2006. After retirement, Kim drove a truck for Levings Construction and Dennis Erickson Farms, officially retiring in his late seventies.
Kim was a member of the Rock Port Masonic Lodge, Westboro Methodist Church, and Tarkio Lions Club. He was also a member of the Tarkio Board of Aldermen for eight years and Kim loved his community dearly. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and taking multiple trips to Sturgis on his Harley. He was very fond of keeping up with his yard and spending time with family. Kim passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 81.
Kim was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include best friend and companion, Debra Sue Beckman, Tarkio; children, Mike (Rhonda) Herrick, Westboro, Kristina Traughber, Tarkio, Shelby (Jeff) Herrick, Kansas City, Missouri, and Lee (Michelle) Beckman, Tarkio; grandchildren, Trenton (Ashley) Traughber and Carmen (Pete) Benton; great-grandchildren, Ferrell Max Traughber, Jameson Kim and Chase Timothy Benton; sisters, Kay (Mike) Lane, Independence, Missouri, Kathy (Bob) Hanrath, Lincoln, Nebraska, Kolette (Dominic) Orsatti, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Kenna (Roger) Levings, Tarkio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Westboro Methodist Church. Interment was held at High Prairie Cemetery in Elmo, Missouri. Pastor Cathy Riggins officiated. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tarkio Lions Club. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
