John “Toad” Clendon Hershner, 81, of Mount Gilead, passed away at his home Monday morning, June 18, 2018, with his loving family by his side.
On Nov. 15, 1936, John was born at home in Mount Gilead, son of the late John Bennett and Ella Beatrice (Jenkins) Hershner. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 1955.
A U.S. Army Veteran, John proudly served his country in the 101st Airborne from Dec. 1961 to Dec. 1963.
For many years, Toad worked as an electrician for ITT North Electric in Galion and then for H.P.M. in Mount Gilead.
While working at North Electric, Toad met Myra Ann Stewart. They married on June 28, 1975 at the Crestline Church of Christ and shared nearly 43 wonderful years together as husband and wife.
A man of great faith, John was a long time member of the Mount Gilead Church of Christ, where he often participated in special music selections. He was also on the Morrow County Veteran’s Council and a past Morrow County Mounted Deputy.
Toad loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, or shooting with his buddies. He enjoyed collecting guns and had a deep love for the Old West. He also competed in Cowboy Action Shooters.
John possessed a gift for entertaining others with his music. He played the guitar, mandolin, and piano. He especially enjoyed classic country and gospel music, playing gigs in numerous bands over the years.
John’s family held a special place in his heart and he always cherished quality time spent with his grandchildren.
John will be dearly missed by his four children: Johnny Hershner, of Chesterville, Joella (Bill) Good, of Galion, Clayton (Holly) Hershner, of Mount Gilead, Trevor (Andrea) Hershner, of Mount Gilead; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Barbara (Fred) Williamson, of Cardington; his cousin who was like a brother, Jack Long, of Mount Gilead, and seven more cousins; his mother-in-law, Patsy Lundy Stewart, of Crestline; and brothers-in-law: Bobby (Aileen) Stewart, of Shelby, and Gregory (Beth) Stewart, of Galion.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandchild and his father-in-law, Bobby Gene Stewart.
Toad’s family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 22, 2018, at the Mount Gilead Church of Christ, 322 Iberia St., Mount Gilead. Services to honor and celebrate his life will be held there at noon with his son, Pastor Clayton Hershner and Pastor Doug Bryan officiating.
Military honors provided by the Active Duty U.S. Army, VFW Post 8054 and AMVETS Post 87 will conclude the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Morrow County, 228 South St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338 or to Seniors on Center, 41 West Center St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve John’s family, and your special memories or condolences may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
