Jeffrey Duane Herrick

Jeffrey Duane Herrick of Emporia died on Friday, May 10, 2019 at his home.  He was 56.

Jeff was born on March 9, 1963 in Wichita, Kansas the son of James Herrick and Annette Ratzlaff.  He grew up in Hartford and graduated from Lyndon High School in 1981. When helping a friend move to college, he was recruited to play football at Fort Scott Community College. He came to Emporia in 1984 to play football, but instead decided to pursue a career in construction. While in Emporia, he met the love of his life, Tracy Jefferis. They married on August 2, 1986 in Emporia. In their first few years of marriage, Jeff travelled around the Midwest for work, where he built water treatment facilities. The couple eventually settled in Emporia, where Jeff started Star Construction Inc. in 1995. He owned and operated the concrete business for the past 24 years. He and Tracy had three children together and Jeff loved helping them pursue their dreams throughout his life. Some of Jeff’s passions included golf, coaching Olpe Jr. High football, going to auctions and helping his community grow. Those close to him knew him for his fierce loyalty, his strong moral compass, and his willingness to do anything for his loved ones.

Surviving family members include: wife, Tracy Herrick of Emporia; son, Dugan Herrick of Emporia; daughters, Josie Herrick of Emporia, and Haley Brinkman and husband Jake of Emporia; Grandchildren, Rallend and Rosalyn Brinkman; mother, Annette Ratzlaff of Hartford; brother, Stephen Herrick of Houston, Texas; sister, Farah Ferguson and husband Jim of Hartford.

He is preceded in death by his father James Herrick, stepfather Richard Ratzlaff, grandparents Faye and Leo Herrick and Herbert and Dorris Mothersole.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, Emporia with burial following at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.  The casket will remain closed.  Memorial contributions to the USD #252 Honor Flight can be sent in care of the funeral home.