Rev. Howard Harvey Hershberger

The Rev. Howard Harvey Hershberger passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Otterbein St. Marys Senior Lifestyle Community. He was born on September 8, 1933, in Dayton, Ohio, as the eldest son of Clyde and Aurelia (Seybold) Hershberger of West Milton, Ohio, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janice Deeter Hershberger, daughter Jane (Brad) Briggs, brothers Paul (Patty) Hershberger and Mark (Rita) Hershberger, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He received his BS in history education from Manchester College, Manchester, Indiana, in 1955 and graduated from The United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, with a master of divinity degree in 1958. He was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1958. For over forty years Howard faithfully served the following congregations: Genntown UCC, Polk Grove UCC, Troy First UCC, First Congregational Christian Church in Greenville, Pleasant Hill UCC, Trinity Home in Beavercreek, St. Paul's UCC Rockford, St. John's UCC Holgate, and Spencerville UCC. Throughout his ministry, Howard loved working with people of all ages. His welcoming spirit and hopeful nature connected him to people, no matter what the circumstance. Known for being down-to-earth and approachable, he was loved by young and old alike, a confidant to many, and will be missed by all. While serving his congregations, he paid special attention to the youth of the church, always remarking that they are our future. His hobbies included cheering on sports teams, including The Ohio State University Buckeyes, telling jokes and stories, collecting Studebaker model cars, and sharing his love of singing. A Celebration of Life for The Reverend Howard Hershberger will take place Thursday, January 19, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ located at 101 Perry Street, Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895, The Reverend Becky Sunday, Senior Pastor, presiding. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to the time of the service with a luncheon following. The committal ceremony will then be held at the Wheelock Cemetery, St. Rt. 571, Nashville, Ohio. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Otterbein St. Marys Senior Lifestyle Community Meditation Room, 11230 OH-364, St. Marys, Ohio 45885 and also 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 1102 Lincoln Avenue (State Route 501), Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grand Lake Hospice, 1122 E. Spring Street, St. Marys, Ohio 45885 or St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 101 Perry Street, Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895.

Rev. Howard Harvey Hershberger

September 8, 1933 - January 14, 2017