Jerry Lee Herbert

Jerry Lee Herbert, 79, of New Philadelphia, died January 19, 2022 in the Community Hospice Truman House while receiving hugs from his family, following a long journey with cancer.

He was born on July 21, 1942, in Columbus to Harold Bernard and Thelma Maude (Gooding) Herbert. Jerry graduated from Gnadenhutten High School in 1960, attended The Ohio State University from 1960-63, then joined the United States Army Security Agency as a SP5 Analyst stationed in Bad Aibling, Germany. He served in the military from 1964 – 68.

Jerry worked in management with Montgomery Ward for 13 years. He recently stated that “his life began” the day he met his Canadian bride, the former M. Ellen McCracken, while enjoying an evening out in Michigan. They were wed on June 30, 1972, and lived out their wedding vows for nearly 50 years, providing a tremendous example to their children and grandchildren.

After his service to Montgomery Ward, he continued his professional career as the VP of Manufacturing for Tastee Apple in Newcomerstown. His career with the company totaled 35 years until he retired at the age of 75.

Most importantly, Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who treasured time spent with his family and attending the activities of his grandchildren. He was consistent, present, reliable, loyal, and loving. He was the true definition of “A Family Man”.

For many years, he and Ellen loved to vacation in Glen Arbor, Michigan with family. There, they enjoyed two weeks every summer of making memories with their family. The time together included hiking, kayaking, photo shoots, bike riding and pontoon boat outings.

Dedicated to his love for photography and nature, he took pride in the role as teacher to his children, sharing these passions that inspired his son and daughter to follow in his footsteps. For a number of years, Jerry traveled to the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton where he spent countless hours capturing fascinating photographs, many which were used in the museum’s publications.

In addition to his wife, those left to cherish his memory include his dear children, Becky (Eric) Cheney of Dayton and their children Austin and Aaron, and Bob (Stephanie) Herbert of Lewis Center and their children Sophie and Reese; his siblings, Tom Herbert of San Jose, CA, and Patricia Stratton of Gnadenhutten; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Sharon (Carmen) Hewitt of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Tom (MaryLee) McCracken of Burlington, Ontario; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Paul Stratton.

Visitation will be held in the Otterbein United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pastor Jon Long will lead a service honoring Jerry’s life in the church beginning at 11:30 a.m. Cremation care will follow and an inurnment of Jerry’s remains will take place at a later date in Gnadenhutten Cemetery, on the site of his childhood home that was raised several years ago.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s memory may be directed to either Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Ave NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia