Bill Herzog was a gambler.

In 1969, he invested his life savings to form Herzog Contracting Corp. And every time he signed a bond for a construction contract, he put his net worth on the line.

"He gambled on that business all the time. The reason why was because he believed in it," said Al Landes, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Herzog Contracting.

On Friday, friends and family mourned the passing of Mr. Herzog, who died at home in Platte City at the age of 88.

"The amount of love and feeling for that man is beyond description," Mr. Landes said. "Everybody to this day looks to him as a spiritual leader."

Mr. Herzog's first project was asphalt paving of Missouri Highway 48 in Andrew County. This year, his company will do business in 38 states and surpass $500 million in volume.

Mr. Herzog also gambled on employees, often seeing more potential in a new recruit than anyone else could. He carefully nurtured those who worked under him, passing along bits of wisdom, such as taking the time to listen to customers.

Mr. Landes started working for Mr. Herzog as a clerk/laborer when he was 22. He fondly recalls Saturday morning meetings where Mr. Herzog mentored his staff.

"He'd teach us that the essence of this organization was to help each other," Mr. Landes said.

Mr. Herzog survived the Great Depression, losing both his parents before he graduated from high school. During World War II, he designed aircraft. He and his wife had three children; sons Stan Herzog and Randy Herzog now serve as executives.

Herzog Contracting is recognized as one of the nation's premier transportation companies, with railroad and highway divisions. It has offices around the country, including corporate headquarters on Riverside Road in St. Joseph, and 1,200 employees.

The success is traced back to Mr. Herzog, the man with a warm smile, a sense of integrity, a passion for race cars and grand dreams.

Susan Mires can be reached

at susanm@npgco.com.