Roman "Dobie" Hershberger

Roman "Dobie" D. Hershberger, 71, of 509 3rd St. S.W., Wilmot, Ohio died Friday, November 7, 2008 at Affinity Medical Center in Massillon following an extended illness.

Dobie was a plumber and steamfitter at Massillon State Hospital for 38 years. He also was employed at the former Jack's Sohio Station in Wilmot and Sportsman's Dream at Wilmot. Roman and his wife, Betty managed the Dogwood Acres Family campground in Kimbolton.

He was born April 20, 1937 in Barrs Mills, Ohio the son of the late Daniel and Rebecca (Pfister) Hershberger. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Emmanuel Hershberger.

Roman was baptized in the Zion Reformed Church (PCA) in Winesburg. He was a U.S. Army veteran. In his earlier years, Roman was an outstanding baseball player and acquired his nickname from Cleveland Indians great, Larry Doby. He remained an avid Cleveland Indians fan. He also was formerly a Ford Stock Car racing driver where he drove "044" on several racetracks including Wayne County Speedway, Lakeville Speedway, Hilltop in Millersburg, Coshocton and Wide Oval Speedways. Roman was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved to camp and fish.

He was a member of the Army Navy Club in Beach City, Navarre VFW and the Brewster Moose Lodge.

Dobie is survived by his wife, Betty (Burkhart) Hershberger with whom he celebrated 44 years of marriage on July 11; He is also survived by his son, Terry (wife, Lisa) Hershberger of Corona, California and granddaughters, Alyson and Ashley; three brothers and two sisters, Vernon (wife Becky) Hershberger of Harmon, Mary (husband, Howard) Snyder of Dundee, Eli (wife, Mary Ann) Hershberger of Winesburg, Mel (wife, Fran) Hershberger of Missouri, and Susie Hershberger of Winesburg.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Pastor Jason Strong officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. A reception will follow at the Winesburg Fire Department. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4-7pm and Saturday from 10-11am. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of "Dobie" may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorials may be made to the Zion Reformed Church in Winesburg, Winesburg Fire Department, or the Wilmot Fire Department.