David MacDonald Herd

1946 - 2021

David MacDonald Herd

The World's Greatest Yankee fan died on March 4, 2021, in Naples, FL, from complications of kidney failure.

David MacDonald Herd was born in New York City on Constitution Day in 1946, soon after his father came home from WWII. His parents were Donald and Maryellen (Buckley) Herd.

David spent the first 11 years of his life in Rosedale, Queens, N.Y., where his love of the Yankees and pizza were developed. He could recall with clarity the first baseball game he attended with his dad at Yankee Stadium and often lamented that he didn't see Don Larsen's perfect game because he was at school.

In 1957, his family moved to Dayton, Ohio, which David said was a major culture shock. But it was there that he was introduced by a neighbor to Marietta College from which David graduated in 1968. At Marietta, he became immersed in journalism and was editor of the Marcolian, its newspaper.

As a journalist, David cared deeply about the First Amendment, precise and fluid writing, and the importance of objectivity. He liked to coach young reporters and editors, and enjoyed seeing them outgrow him.

During his career, he worked at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Dayton Daily News, the Springfield Eagle Times, the Burlington Free Press, the Roanoke Times, and the Cincinnati Enquirer.

While at the Enquirer from 1998 to 2011, he worked as a copy editor and eventually became copy desk chief. He was noted for his attention to detail and ability to put issues in perspective.

His travels took him to 49 states. When encouraged to go to Hawaii, he declined, saying 49 made him more interesting. He and his wife traveled to Scotland and included a day in Helensburgh, the town from which his ancestors migrated.

He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Susan (Koch) Herd; his sister, Betsy Boehm, and her children, Jeanie and Jason; and his long-time friend Kevin Kaeding. He will be mourned by his wife's siblings, his fellow "outlaws," 16 nieces and nephews, 12 great-nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends.

Visitation will be held at The Sanctuary in Newport, KY, from 10 to 11 a.m. on March 27, 2021, and will be followed by a memorial service at 11. Due to covid, masks are required and attendance is limited to 75.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marietta College at www.marietta.edu/give.