Wilbur Martin Herman, age 93, passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on June 8, 2024. His strong faith in eternal salvation was reflected by his lifelong devotion to Christian principles. Born in Cambridge Ohio on November 23, 1930, “Marty” was the eldest child of the late Grace (Wilson) Herman (1910-1998) and Paul A. Herman (1909-1975). Surviving the Great Depression his family relocated to South Canton where Marty excelled at Canton South High School. His passion for music included many band performances with his trombone and lead singing roles in student musicals. June 1951, Marty was drafted into the Korean War where he served as army sergeant – MASH unit company clerk. Upon returning home Marty joined his family’s construction business which launched his lifetime career in residential and commercial contracting.
Marty and JoAnn (Firman) married in 1956. Their 54 years of loving commitment to one another ended with JoAnn’s passing in 2010. Together they raised three children who remain in Ohio, Cheryl (William) Herrmann of Caledonia, Michael (Stephaney) Herman of Canton and Mark David (Jackie) Herman of Mineral City. Five grandchildren are deeply mourning the loss of their supportive life coach: Adam and Kaitlin Herman, children of Michael. Also Elizabeth, Mark and Travis Herman, children of Mark David.
Although preceded in death by his brother, Donald King Herman (1932-1953), Marty will be dearly missed and remembered by his surviving brother John P. Herman (Starlene), the extended family and dear friends. Of special mention are Judy Holub, Chuck Benfield and Greg Beitzel, all of whom lovingly enabled Marty’s continual happiness and independence at his treasured Zoar home.
A Celebration of Life’s Blessings will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Faith Baptist Church, located in Zoar. Visitation 10-11am prior to services and a light luncheon provided by caring church families immediately following services. Burial with military honors is scheduled 2:30pm at Plainfield Cemetery, near Coshocton. The Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar is handling the arrangements. To share a memory, please visit the funeral home’s web site.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church Faith Baptist Church (wordpress.com) <https://faithbaptistbolivar.wordpress.com/> or Historic Zoar Village zoarinfo@historiczoarvillage.com <mailto:zoarinfo@historiczoarvillage.com>
Lebold-Smith Funeral Home
248 Park Avenue SW
Bolivar, OH 44612
330.874-3113
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilbur, please visit our floral store.