William “Bill” Herzog ( October 18, 1920 – March 6, 2009 ) was born in St. Louis, Mo. He moved to Brookfield, Mo. with his mother after his father passed away. He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1939 and attended the University of Missouri but left school for two years during WWll to work as a design engineer for North American Aviation where he modified the P51 Mustang from one pilot to two pilots. After the war he returned to the University of Missouri where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Bill moved to St. Joseph where he worked for the Missouri State Highway Department and Land Construction for 22 years. In 1969 , Bill founded Herzog Contracting Corporation in St. Joseph. Herzog began as a small asphalt company, but with Bill’s vision and determination, it evolved into much more. To generate income during the winter months, Herzog entered the railroad industry, a move that would define the course of the company’s future. Over the years Herzog established itself as a national leader in the industry, driving game changing innovations and expanding into specialized divisions covering construction, technology, transit services, rail operations, rail testing and more. Today Herzog stands as the only North American company that builds, operates, and maintains railroads. This legacy of innovation, rooted in Bill’s original vision, continues as the company branches into new sectors with Herzog Energy, Inc. and Herzog Solutions, LLC. Herzog’s remarkable growth and success stand as a testament to Bill’s pioneering vision, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible. Bill married Aditha Dean Davis, and together they had three children: Randy, Meredith and Stan. Known for his kindness and strong work ethic, Bill believed deeply in probity — adherence to the highest principles and ideals of uprightness, ethics, and honesty. He always carried a piece of paper in his pocket with that definition to share with new acquaintances.