Herbert Denison Chamberlain Jr.

Chamberlain Herbert Denison Chamberlain Jr., age 92, of Reynoldsburg, passed away peacefully at his home on January 23, 2016. He was born May 9, 1923 in Toledo to the late Herbert D. and Esther (Hoffman) Chamberlain. Following the death of his mother, he lived his childhood in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus while his father attended medical school at OSU and his stepmother, Ruth (Kuntz) Chamberlain, worked as a nurse for the Kroger Company. The family moved to McArthur, which would become the home of his youth and young adulthood. After graduating from MHS in 1941, Herb briefly attended Dartmouth College before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the Marshall Islands during WWII, was honorably discharged and returned to Ohio to continue his education and begin a family. He married the love of his life, Charlotte (Rinehart), attended OSU, received a BS in Agriculture, and established Peachcrest Orchard in Vinton County, before moving to New London to start his career in education as a vocational agriculture teacher. Herb, Char and their three children then moved to Jackson, where he continued to teach. During those years in Jackson he obtained a MS degree from OSU, ran for state representative, served as assistant principal of JHS, wrote a column for the local paper, and enjoyed family life and community in the beautiful hills of southeastern Ohio. In 1968 Herb's family moved to Reynoldsburg when he became the first director of vocational education at the newly formed Eastland Joint Vocational School. He continued working there until his retirement. Herb took great pride in his family, Ohio State Buckeyes, bowling game, golf swing, and lawn. He always had a sunny outlook, loved to sing, dance, and listen to big band music. He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, past president of Lions Club chapters in Jackson and Reynoldsburg, past president of the Ohio State Alumni Assoc. (Franklin County chapter), past president of Reynoldsburg School Board, and past president of Ohio Vocational Directors Assoc. He was named Honorary Chapter Farmer and received an Honorary State FFA Degree for his years of support for Future Farmers of America. Herb is preceded in death by his wife Charlotte, and his sister Deborah Amundson. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Ron) Clark, Scott Chamberlain, Beth (Greg) Bookwalter; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Barbara (John) Young, and Betty Lukas. A memorial will be held at the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 6, starting at 10 a.m. with services beginning at 11 a.m. Arrangements handled by DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences at www.spencefuneralhome.com.