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Herbert Biddle

Herbert “Herb” Biddle

September 4th, 1941 - July 1st, 2024

Herb's Obituary

On July 1, 2024, Herbert Dale Biddle, Jr., beloved husband, father of four and grandfather of seven, passed away at the age of eighty-two at their summer home in South Haven, Michigan. Herb, the oldest of five and only son, was born in Elgin, Illinois, to Herbert Dale and Lucille “Lucy” Biddle. Herb graduated from Butler University where he played football. He went on to earn his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University. Herb worked in the sporting goods industry as a salesman for Shakespeare in Wisconsin, working his way up to vice president of the company in South Carolina, as president of Cannon in Michigan and as president of Nations’s Best Sports in Fort Worth, Texas. He also wrote and taught online courses for IvyTech. Before retiring several years ago, Herb was the executive vice president at KHK Group.

Herb deeply loved his wife of forty-two years, Bessanne, and they were true partners in life. He loved his children and was their greatest champion. Named Aboo by his oldest granddaughter, he was passionate about his seven grandchildren and was their greatest fan and role model; visiting them often, calling and writing letters and attending their sporting events.

Besides his family, Herb was passionate about his belief in a higher power, his Butler Bulldogs, his Mustang Bullitt, and having been a Marine. He loved to watch football, college basketball and golf on television. He was in his element when he was playing golf and had a score of 74 just two weeks ago. He played countless courses throughout the United States, Scotland and Ireland. Herb loved grilling baby back ribs and was proud of his homemade barbecue sauce that he had spent years perfecting. Herb was known for his quest for knowledge and sought fairness, truth and facts. He was always reading, enjoyed fine bourbon, followed the stock market and loved music, especially the Eagles, Bob Seger and CCR. He was known for his patience, kindness and generosity to all he met, always treating everyone with the utmost appreciation and respect.

Herb is survived by his loving wife, Bessanne, his sons Jim (Susan) Kiefer and Clay (Suz) Biddle, daughters Philion Biddle and Bridgette (Mike) Bumpas, and his grandchildren Kaitlin, Kacey, Sarah, Logan, Mason, Lindsay and Riley.

The family will have a Celebration of Herb’s Life in Fort Worth, Texas, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that for those who are able instead make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, Sandy Hook Promise or National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To view Herb’s personal webpage please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel -Starks Family Funeral Home. 269-637-0333

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