Robert David Herbel, age 79, of Springfield, Mo, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, in his home. Bob was born on March 27, 1931 in Brighton, Colo., the son of the late Harry Herbel and Velva (Cook) Herbel. He graduated from Springfield Senior High (Central High) in Springfield, Mo. and attended SMSU before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp in 1950 where he fought bravely in the Korean War. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines remained with him and helped contribute to his further success in life. Bob retired from Prudential and Ohio National Insurance after more than thirty years of service. He was president of the Springfield Life Underwriters Association for several years and had a CLU Professional Designation which is equivalent to a Masters Degree. He also received several awards with both Ohio National and Prudential including Sales Man of the Year and membership in the Million Dollar Club. He enjoyed golfing and traveling, but his greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren. He was a loving father and grandfather and loyal husband throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Francine (Vaughan) Herbel; two daughters, Kimberly Burrell, Shari (Sam) Melia; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Smith) Gamble and husband Jeremy, Benjamin Smith, Austen (Crosby) Musil and husband Marc, Mary Kate (Katie) Melia, Abbey Melia, and Samantha Melia; and two great grandchildren, Shawn Musil, and Marcus Musil and a niece Vickie (Miles) Peterson and husband Don. Friends are invited for a Military Salute and short graveside service to honor Bob at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery by Springfield Lake 5201 S. Southwood Road on Tuesday, July 13 at 11 am, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.