Herbert A. Pigman

Herbert A. Pigman, age 78 of Ambia, IN, beloved and devoted son, brother, husband, father and citizen passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Herbert was born August 14, 1933 in Somerset, Kentucky to the late Stuart and Maude Pigman. He graduated from both Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, IN and Franklin College in Franklin, IN. He married Betty Jane Schmidt on June 23, 1955. He leaves behind his beloved wife and life partner, Betty, of 57 years; two sons, Thomas (Anne) Pigman, Williamsport; Dan (Jen) Pigman, LaGrange, IL; three daughters, Jenny (Scott) Wayman, Coeur D’Alene, ID; Sally (Paul) Huck Kenosha, WI; Liz (Hank) Bothfeld, Dodgeville, WI; 15 grandchildren; brother, Stuart (Eleanor) Pigman and sisters, Judy (Rich) Shereikis, Janet Zoble, and Anne (Larry) Black. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and brother, Richard. “Live life and don’t waste time” guided his 78 years. He served as general secretary of Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation from 1979 to 1986 and then from 1993 until his retirement in 1995. Herb began his 35 year career as a journalist with The Rotarian Magazine. Herb directed the Rotary International PolioPlus Immunization Task Force for three years and continued in advocacy efforts, traveling the world as the director of the polio eradication fundraising campaign. Herb was past president of the Rotary clubs of Boswell, IN and Evanston, IL. In his local community, he served on the boards of the Warren County Community Foundation and the Locust Grove Church, as past president of the Rotary Club of Boswell, IN, and as the mandolin player for the Prairie Players dulcimer group. He was also named as Sagamore of the Wabash by the State of Indiana, twice, for his “Humanity in Living, his Loyalty in Friendship, his Wisdom in Council and his Inspiration in Leadership.” In his retirement, he lived out a life-long dream of being a farmer by retiring to Warren County, beginning a hay baling business and raising chickens, goats, and horses. Herb loved to gather with his 25 children and grandchildren at the farm. He also took up the mandolin and bass as a favorite past time. He will be deeply missed by those who were near and dear to him. Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home, 111 E. Monroe St., Williamsport, IN on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. On Thursday, May 24, 2012 visitation will be from 11:00 until service time at 1:00 p.m. at Locust Grove Methodist Community Church, Ambia, IN on 600 W, near the corners of 850 N and 600 W, about 2 miles south of Highway 26. Rev. Charles B. Anderson will be officiating. Interment will be at Locust Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to these organizations closest to Herb’s heart: the PolioPlus Fund at Rotary International, the Warren County Community Foundation, or the Locust Grove Methodist Community Church. A memorial service is planned at a later date in Evanston, IL.