Herman M. “Herb” Force, 79, of Kansas City, Clay County, Missouri died peacefully at the North Kansas City Hospital Hospice Care Center with his devoted wife Barbara J. Wolf-Force of 44 years, by his side on September 22, 2022. Born to Herman M. Force and Maxine (Smith) Force on May 24, 1943, Herb grew up in Kansas City, Kansas where he graduated from Turner High School. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Army where he was trained in electrical technology serving in West Germany. After his Honorable discharge from the Army, Herb went to work at the Santa Fe Railroad. During his work as an electrician with the railroad, he attended college and ultimately graduated from Avila University. He remained in the railroad industry and was promoted into management providing him and Barbara with a life of travel and making many wonderful friends across the southwest. After thirty years of service with the railroad, he retired in 2003. Herbs lifelong ambition came to fruition, once retired, by owning his own shop where he spent every day restoring vintage cars. He built a 6,000 square foot restoration “hobby” shop in Northmoor, Missouri where he tinkered with vintage cars, chatted and shared like conversation with friends and of course, rescued and adopted numerous stray cats that would show up in need of a warm bed and a steady meal. His main love was restoring vintage Corvette Stingrays from the 1960s. Herb was a proud member of the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) where he made many lifelong friends. During the course of his life, he and Barbara enjoyed the company of many family and friends. He had a gentle disposition and was universally well-liked. Herb was survived by his wife Barbara and his son Damon M. Force of Leawood, Kansas. Also left behind were Herb’s sisters, Beverly Lane and Susan Carver, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. Herb was truly loved and will be sorely missed by all.
The family will hold a private gathering to celebrate Herb’s life. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Herb’s memory to NorthCare Hospice House and may be left in care of the Meyers Northland Chapel, 401 Main St. Parkville, MO 64152.
Barb, sorry to here of Herb’s passing. He had such a long fight with his health issues but I never heard him complain. I always enjoyed talking with him at our get togethers. Wish we could have had a few more of them while we were in KC.
Herb we be missed by all! Peace be with Barbara and family 🙏
I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE KNOWN HERB AND HIS DAD BOTH!!
HERB IS A MOTOR HEAD AS I AM!
I WAS QUITE LUCKY I GOT TO VISIT HIM IN HIS SHOP A YEAR AGO AND CHECK OUT HIS RESTORATION WORK!
I FELT HIS PAIN WHEN HIS SON BECAME DISABLED .
IT WAS A GREAT TRIP , HERB,
GLAD YOU WERE A FELLOW
RAILROADER , AND FRIEND!!
I am so sorry to hear this news. May his memory be a blessing for all that knew him. I was new to the Corvette world and he and Tony Stein and others took me in as if they had known me for years. I have nothing but fond memories of Herb. A really kind and great man.
So sorry for Herb’s passing. Truly a kind and gentle man. He will be missed.
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you 🙏 I just loved Herb..Full of fun memories with you and Herb. 😘😘😘
Barb
It was with very heavy hearts upon hearing of Herb’s passing.He was a unique individual and we always enjoyed his company.We will keep you in our prayers.Love fromJR and I to you.
JR and Judy
So sorry Barb. Me and Jan send prayers.
Barb, we are so sorry for your loss. Diane and Tom Cranshaw
I am so sorry to hear about Herb’s passing. I have such fond memories of working with him at TSM. He will be missed.
Barb my heart is with you. How lucky you were to have such love in your life.
Love and prayers
Words will never say enough. I know this loss and wish you didn’t have to. Keep your friends close and give yourself time. Love to you
Barbara
So sorry to hear of your loss! You all always seemed so happy together and we’re always surrounded by friends!
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Shirley Fuller
My heartfelt condolences to you Barb,and your furrbabies as Herb will be sorely missed by all of you. Peace be with you, I hold you in my heart and prayers.
We are all better for having known Herb, he was such a sweet soul !!!! Barb and family my heart goes out to you!!!!
Barb I am so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you, such a wonderful kind man.
Barb, May his memory be a blessing. I enjoyed knowing you both when I lived across the street from you. Steve liked talking corvettes with Herb.
Barb, Ritt and I are so very sorry for your loss. I know how much you will miss him. He was such a dear man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Barb, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May hugs & prayers of friends and family help carry you through your time of grief.🤗🎂🥰
Herb was one of the best men I have ever known he will be missed
Herb is now, and will always be our hero!! The greatest dad ever to Damon. Family is everything and we loved being a family with you and Barb. Sheila and Damon and I will forever miss you. 💙💔😇
MRS BARB Herb was one of my favorite people that sat at the Counter at the Corner Cafe I will miss him I’m so sorry for your loss.
Barb. I’m so sorry. I know you are devastated. Lots of prayers and hugs to you. Love you bunches.
So sorry for your loss Barb ! I only had the opportunity to meet him once, but such a caring man. Prayers you you and your family.
Barbara I am so sorry to hear of Herbs passing. My heart is truly with you. Bless you.
I am surprised to see this news! I will be thinking of you and sending you prayers of comfort and peace!
My father is an old railroader (Milwaukee Road) and he restored a 1929 Model A! They would have enjoyed conversing!
Hugs!
Barb, so sorry to hear this. I live close by, if you need anything just call.
Barb, I was saddened to hear that Herbie had passed. After my visit with you at hospice I had been praying that God would keep him in his loving care to comfort him in his time of need, but that God’s will be done but sooner not later. And my prayers were answered. I knew my life long friend would not want to live like that. We attended Franklin grade school,then Junctions grade school, and finally Turned high school together. He would come out to the Hideaway. He loved to dance. Herbie and I were the only two guys that could make our eyes wiggle.. I have many memories from Frontier Steak House and the Holiday dance club that will remain with me always. I will miss my dear friend. May he rest in peace.
Barb, I was so sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. I only met him a couple of times but he seem like such a gentle , decent person. If you need anything, anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call.
Barb, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Prayers that your memories of your life together bring you comfort and keeps him in your heart forever.
Barb,
So very sorry, you are in my thoughts and prayers dear friend. Terry Durand
Barbara, so sorry to hear about Herb. Although only knowing Herb through the Dental office, I felt friendship with you both.
Sincerely,
Robert Burns
OMG! Barb I am sooooo very sorry. My heart crys for you. Though it has been years I just can’t even tell you how much Herb and you both impacted so many.What a beautiful human being. God rest his soul and bring you some peace knowing that you will be with him again.😢💔
I am so sorry, Barb. I never got to meet Herb, but you made it well known how much you loved him and all those pictures of you two together just sealed the love. I will be praying for you all. Be strong.
My friend, my brother in law, Herb, is now lovingly surrounded by family and friends forever. Many prayers for comfort for Barb, we love you sweetheart! 🙏❤️
Sorry doesn’t really describe how we all feel but it’s the only word we can find during this time. We love you both and will truly miss Herbie!
Herb was a sincere friend to many. He will be missed by us All. RIP sweet soul. Jack
Barb,
Sherry & I are truly saddened by the loss of a great person in Herb. He was everything anyone could hope for in a friend and companion. Herb was a person you could ask for help, and he was more than willing. He was also a fixture in the Kansas City Chapter of NCRS and will be sorely missed. I am just proud to have known Herb and be able to have called him a Dear Friend. If we can help you in any way during this time of grief, please feel free to reach out.
Oh Barb, my heart is heavy with sadness for you in the loss of Herb, your for-life partner and beloved husband. Love and light to you. In whispers through the heavens, in soft winds through the trees and in particles of sunlight may your heart find comfort and peace.
My Condolences to his family, He was truly an incredible man I knew through his Corvette restorations..
We are so sorry for your loss Barb and we send you a lot of love. Herb was, such an amazing guy, full of sunshine. We will never forget him, or his kindness. May his memory he a blessing for all that knew him.
We wish we could be there for you. We send you prayers from Germany
No! I can not believe this. Barb I’m very sorry for your lost- he was the love of your life- we had so many laughs together in our past. That photo of his hands – goodness- If you need anything please let us know. Seriously ❤️
So sorry to hear your sad news. Keeping you in my prayers for peace in you and your family’s heart.
So very sorry to hear of your loss Barb. Sending prayers of comfort your way. Hugs to you.
Met Herb around the counter at the Corner. We discussed mysteries and traded titles. He talked with the other guys about restoring cars and I listened in. He spoke of his love of music, loving to dance with his wife, and how much better a dancer she was than him. He was a sweet individual and I consider my life richer just by getting to know him a bit.
Barb and family, so sorry for your loss. Sending good thoughts your way.
Barb, So sorry to hear this happened, You and all his family are in my thoughts and prayers, I know this is not an easy time so take care .
Dale
Barb, so sorry for your loss. Herbie was one of my favorite people and had the most infectious laugh! He will be missed. Loves to you, Lee
Barb ….we learned of Herb’s death today and were quite shocked & saddened. He was a CLASS ACT. I always enjoyed my time in the shop with him and learning from him. Love & prayers to you.
Barb-
So sorry about Herb becoming an angel. Prayers for you and his loved ones.
Hugs,
Karin
Barb, Very sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. He was a great Man—always caring and concerned with helping others. We will all miss being around him. Prayers to you and your family. RIP Brother.
Just reading all these beautiful scentiments and great stories about Herb’s love of his Corvettes and his beautiful extended family makes us realize how precious every life and every moment truly is. We are so sorry for your losing the love of your life, Barb, and at such a young age! With his zest for life, Herb is probably already on his way to planning a new restoration shop in Heaven!
Our prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family,
Barb
We are so sorry for your loss. I am lucky to have known Herb
RIP Herb
Barb – so sorry for you loss!! Uncle Herbie was truly loved and will miss his great sense of humor. He always gave me that “Paul McCartney” rockstar vibe (who, btw, is my favorite Beatle). Sending much love to you during this time of grief.