Obituaries
Walter Raymond Herring, 92
November 29, 2023
Walter Raymond Herring, 92, of Lancaster, went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2023. Walter married Barbara (Hunter) Herring, who preceded him in death on August 22, 2009. They were married for 58 years. He was born in Chester, PA to the late Walter and Gertrude Herring on May 30, 1931. “Wally” grew up in a loving family with two brothers: Lawrence, who preceded him in death, and Richard, of Unionville, PA.
Walter’s faith in God was the cornerstone upon which he lived his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was in the sixth grade. The heritage of faith and prayer that he and Barb lived will forever be the greatest gift they gave to their family. He was loved by many and he will be remembered by his kindness, friendliness, quick wit, and mischievous spirit.
Being a prolific inventor, he accomplished groundbreaking work in the area of rotational molding in the plastics industry. Additionally, he had patents pending on many toy inventions. His interest in inventing toys began when he worked for the James Company, inventor of the Slinky toy and the Slinky dog. His professional career with Container Corporation of America and Southeastern Plastics spanned over 30 years, reaching areas of the country such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Georgia, Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Virginia.
Planting and giving away flowers were some things he enjoyed throughout his retired life. Over the last 15 years, he donated and planted flowers at The Overlook Golf course. In addition, he frequently brought seasonal flowers to friends and the residents of Calvary Homes. It was one his great pleasures that brought joy to many.
Walter and Barbara had a marriage which displayed their deep love for each other and were an example of a Godly marriage. Through their involvement with The Church of the Nazarene, particularly the Nazarene Churches in West Chester, PA; Torrance, CA; Atlanta, GA; Memphis, TN; Richmond VA; and Lancaster, PA, they developed lifelong friends. As a talented singer and trumpeter, he was always immersed in the music programs of any church they attended. Since their four daughters attended Trevecca Nazarene College/University in Nashville, TN, they considered themselves honorary alumni of the institution. Their love for North East Nazarene Campgrounds occupied much of their heart and energies as they participated in working at and attending camp meetings.
Walt is survived by his four daughters, Helen (Ron) McCormick, Beverly (Rick) Quevedo, Ruth (Lee) Russell and Carol (David) Cargile; his six grandchildren, Ryan (Shae) McCormick, Todd McCormick, Michelle (Corey) Hummel, Jessica (Colleen) Clary, Kaitlyn (Brandon) Nye and Stephen (Danielle) Cargile; and six great-grandchildren, Chase and Tyler McCormick, Lily and Abi Hummel, and Ellie and Cameron Cargile, whom he loved with all his heart. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Herring, and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:30-10:30 am at Calvary Homes, 502 Elizabeth Dr, Lancaster PA 17601 on Saturday, December 9, 2023. A service in celebration of Walt’s life will begin at 10:30. There will be a private burial at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square, PA.
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Condolences to the Family
December 08, 2023
Dear Helen, Beverly, Ruth and Carol:
I owe your dad (and mom) a great debt of gratitude for the kindness they poured out upon my family and me at a time of great need. We are truly blessed to have experienced their care and generosity. Allow me to thank your parents for giving me a place to hunt at the old farm there in Unionville when I was a teenager, and for allowing our family to live in their house there on Oak Rd in Unionville for three months, and for giving my dad a new job opportunity in plastics way down south in Memphis, and for the time they spent with me playing basketball there in their driveway, and for encouraging me, a very shy teenager, to be involved with quizzing and other youth group activities at the Park Avenue Church of the Nazarene, and allow me to thank them mostly for encouraging me to attend Trevecca, a place that truly transformed my whole way of being. Your parents helped mold and shape me and my family in ways I could not have imagined. The move from West Chester to Memphis helped our family grow and mature and set me personally on a course of adventure that has stretched me beyond my wildest imagination. Your parents were amazing people. I am truly blessed to have known them (and you too). May their memory be eternal.
With deepest sympathies,
Ed Blain
December 05, 2023
My fondest memory of Walt was on the golf course. One afternoon, unbeknownst to the others in our group, Walt had an old putter in his bag..on one of the greens he used and purposely missed the putt and threw the old putter in to the pond..we all stood there in disbelief as Walt laughed hysterically. He will be missed.
George Stevens
December 04, 2023
Beverly and Rick. So Sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Donna (Bair) Farmer
December 04, 2023
Carol, Dave and family,
So sorry to read of Walt’s passing.(We still get thee Lancaster newspaper.) Losing a parent is a such a major transition point in life – as you know. I know that his last years of life, surrounded by family were special for all of you. I am so sorry that we will be unable to be there for you in person, but we will be there in spirit.
Kathy & Curt McCaskey
December 02, 2023
One of my first memories of your dad meeting my dad. Dad and my uncle Ted were in your field behind our house walking to hunt. Your dad came up to them and asked if they knew the Lord Jesus and my uncle who converted to Catholicism yelled out Praise the Lord and so your dad so them go ahead and hunt
I’m so sorry for your loss but our sorrow is your gain to be in heaven worshipping Jesus with your mother. Praying for you on these days.
Sherry Verbeeck
December 01, 2023
Helen, Bev, Ruth and Carol:
Your dad transformed even serious situations into laughter with his wry wit. Generous was his middle name. He loved giving to others, as well as making them laugh. Most often, those who knew him best were his ‘victims’. He left behind him a persona no one else will duplicate. You loved him and his antics dearly.
What a difference seeing Jesus made when he was very ill preceding this last health crisis. He evidenced peace and happiness with life that were a tribute to what Jesus meant in his life. Undoubtedly, he’s smelling the flowers only heaven can offer as he waits for the rest of the family to join him. Jesus is THE only way, truth and life we can follow to reach heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we all are reunited forever!
No man on earth was more loved than he was by his girls! You were examples of the honor children ought to give their parents. You attended to his every need with care and concern. What a great heritage is yours! Thank you for sharing him with me over the years!
