David Webb Herlocker, 67, of Westminster, died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home on Friday, March 21, 2008. Born October 30, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, he is the son of Donald Herlocker and the late Betty Comfort Herlocker. He was raised in Peoria, Illinois.
He was a 1962 graduate of Knox College and graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1966 with a doctorate in inorganic chemistry. In 1966, he began a long career teaching chemistry at Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College. He served as the Chemistry Department chair department chair for many years. He retired in 2006 and was named an emeritus faculty member. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the American Chemical Society, and other professional organizations.
He began running in the mid 1970s and was a member of the Westminster and York Road Runner Clubs. He was an organizer of many road races in and around Westminster, including the Main Street Mile. After an accident in 1995 left him unable to run, he continued to walk daily with friends. He was a recognizable figure at many races with his loyal canine companion, Badie.
He was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church and served on the church council and scholarship committee. He was active in Ardent Folk, a ministry providing meals to those in need.
He was a member of the parent organizing committee which founded the Westminster Montessori School in 1974. He helped to develop and implement the school's chemistry curriculum. Since his retirement he has volunteered weekly in their science classes.
An avid sports fan, he followed the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and the McDaniel women's basketball and volleyball teams. He was a 27-year member of a book club and a lover of history and trivia.
Remembering him are children and partners Caryn Herlocker Meade and Adam Meade of Raleigh, NC and Daniel Herlocker and Ellen Keelan of Brattleboro, VT; father Donald Herlocker of Canton, IL; brother and sister-in-law William and Hilda Herlocker of Kildeer, IL; sister and brother-in-law Linda and Peter Speck of Wanganui New Zealand; grandchildren Evan and Georgia Meade; former wife and friend Helen Herlocker; and numerous friends.
A memorial service was held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25 at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll St, Westminster with his pastors Rev. Kevin and Martha Clementson officiating. Inurnment of ashes was in Grace Lutheran Church Columbarium.