Dave Mattingly, the longtime owner of Herrin Drug died recently during an Ironman race in Texas.
"My dad loved being at the store, he loved being at Herrin Drug. He felt like he connected with his community through being at the store.," Tori Mattingly is still trying to make sense of the shocking death of her father Dave Mattingly.
Mattingly was the long time owner of Herrin Drug, growing it into a beloved resource in the community over the last 40 years.
Mattingly died while competing in the Ironman Triathlon in Waco Texas on October 5th. The Ironman organization released a statement saying he required medical attention during the swimming portion of the event. He was given medical care and transported to the hospital where he died. A final determination of his cause of death has not been made.
She said her dad was driven to make the most out of life for himself and others, "To achieve great things, you have to have lofty goals, and great achievements require great commitments. I think my dad embodied this. He lived every day in a seize the life type of manner."
Pete Bodnioli is a fellow Herrin businessman who has been friends with Mattingly for 50 years. He saw Mattingly go the extra mile for his customers as well as investing in his community by renovating his building and others. He also supported many community efforts, "He did these things quietly. He didn't want any glamorous recognition. He just did things to help people and to make Heron a better community."
Tori said that her dad would give inspirational books and notes to his wife and children. She said he left a note telling them he loved them and could not wait to see what they accomplish, "He always stressed the emphasis about kids being your legacy, and I think that he really wanted to just pour into us to continue that legacy and just help be a role model for us as to how to be a good person."
Mattingly's visitation will be Thursday October 16 from 11am to 2pm at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations for the Dave Mattingly Scholarship Memorial. The fund will support athletes who are going into a healthcare profession.
Obituary - https://www.vannattafuneralhome.com/obituaries/david-mattingly
