Donald I. Hershner passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 in his home surrounded by his family. He was 85.
He was born on November 10, 1938 to parents Donald A. & Inez L. (Reed) Hershner in Shauck, Ohio. After graduating from Johnsville High School in 1956, Donald went on to proudly serve in the United State Navy.
On July 28, 1958 he married Joan and they shared 65 wonderful years building a beautiful life together filled with lots of love, laughter, travel, and countless memories. Their love is a testament to time and a shining example to all who knew them, it was a love that will never end.
A natural born leader, Donald owned and operated Trio Food Distributors in Lexington, Ohio from 1976 until his retirement in 1996. He was also the member of various boards throughout this life, and served at Southwood Baptist Church where they were members. Donald was also a member of the American Legion Post #747.
In his spare time, he took pleasure in playing golf, euchre, checkers, and chess- often teaching the younger generations of his family how to play the games as well. He also loved to dance, and never missed an opportunity to dance with his favorite partner, Joan. Above all else though, Donald cherished his family more than anything in the world. He loved to spend time with grandchildren, always visiting them and spending quality time with each one of them. He very much enjoyed his travels with Joan all over the world, with his favorite being his retirement trip to Europe. Donald was a hardworking and kind hearted man who would do whatever he needed to provide for his family.
Donald is survived by his loving wife Joan Hershner of Mansfield, Ohio, children Marty Hershner of Sarasota, Florida, Randy Hershner of Mansfield, Ohio, and Julie (Matt) White of Findlay, Ohio, grandchildren Marcus Hershner, Nathan (Sarah) Hershner, Jayma (Tim) Johnson, Ashley (Ben) Ziegelhofer, Ryan (Erica) Hershner, Jordan (Gabby) Hershner, Isaac (Nikki Schuster) White, Maddie (Brady Hauenstein) White, and Eli White, great-grandchildren Ava, Atlas, Olivia, Emerie, Myah, Natalie, Evie, and Lucas, brother Lowell (Anne) Hershner, sister Jacque (Tom) Downs, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings Ima Jean Kinton, Shirley Hershner, Larry Hershner, and Judy Prater, and great-grandchild Tess Johnson.
The Hershner family will receive friends 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the Lexington Snyder Funeral Home where a funeral service honoring Donald’s life will begin immediately at 1 pm.
For contributions in his memory may be made at the funeral. Please, make checks payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Donald’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Lexington Avenue Family Owned Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com