Dr. Wayne A. Hershberger, 82, of Sebastian, passed away on Aug. 1, 2014.
He is survived by his wife Joyce; children, David (Jan) Hershberger, Stephen (Heidi) Hershberger, and Debbie (David) Hershberger-Kidwell; grandchildren, Lauren Kidwell, Brian Kidwell, PFC Devin Hershberger, Trevor Hershberger, Christine (Scott) Antor, and Stefanie (Stu) Girgins; and four great-grandchildren, Jason and Camryn Antor, and Lucas and William Girgins.
He was preceded in death by sister, Betty Lou Cayford and brothers, J. David Hershberger, and Barton Lee Hershberger, parents Wilbur and Nellie Hershberger, in- laws Millard and Helen Eikenberry, brother and sister-in-law Millard Jr. and Mary Eikenberry, and sister-in-law Charlein Yost.
Hershberger was born Oct. 7, 1931 in Akron, Ohio, the first son of Wilbur and Nellie (Shorder) Hershberger. On March 7, 1953 he was united in marriage with his college sweetheart Joyce Ann Eikenberry at her family church, The Church of the Brethren, in Union City, Ind.
He and his wife enjoyed extensive travels throughout their enduring marriage, building many happy memories together, and recently celebrated the 61st anniversary of their loving marriage.
After completing his education at Manchester College, Kent State University, and The University of Colorado at Boulder, the Hershberger’s moved their family from Colorado to Belmont, Calif. in June 1962 where Hershberger began his career with the American Institutes for Research in Palo Alto.
The family moved from Belmont to Palo Alto the following year before Hershberger accepted a teaching position at Northern Illinois University, beginning fall semester 1964, and thereafter he devoted the greatest portion of his career to teaching, service, and research as a Professor of Psychology at Northern Illinois University.
He retired December 1997, after 34 years at NIU, and relocated to Sebastian in January 1998. During his years in California Hershberger was active in community theater productions with the Hillbarn Theatre, in San Mateo, an interest he pursued in DeKalb, Ill., with the Stage Coach Players where he both acted in and directed a number of productions.
A life long aviation enthusiast, Hershberger was an active participant and leader in the Kishwaukee RC Flyers Club in DeKalb, where he shared his love of RC modeling with sons Dave and Steve, and the Airmasters RC Club in Sebastian, where he introduced his grandsons Brian, Devin, and Trevor to the fun of RC flying and was recognized by the club as an instructor level pilot. He especially appreciated the many friendships made in his association with fellow aviation enthusiasts in these clubs.
An avid reader, he frequently stopped at the North Indian River County Library to check out new books on his way home from the Airmasters RC flying field. He was a thoughtful man, willing to devote the time and energy to achieve precision in his professional career, in his devotion to his family, and in his avocational interests.
Hershberger’s legacy will be as a mentor to both his family and a chosen group of doctoral students, throughout his career and retirement. He prided himself on the virtues of being a strong and kindhearted soul, and his family and friends will dearly miss him.
Cards may be addressed to the Hershberger family c/o Seawinds, 735 S. Fleming St., Sebastian, FL 32958, www.seawindsfh.com. Memorials may be made via donations to your local library in his honor.