William Longenecker "Bill" Herbert

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William Herbert Obituary

HERBERT William "Bill" Longenecker Herbert, 87. Born December 1, 1924, Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Died March 15, 2012, Grandview Heights, Ohio. Preceded in death by wife Ursula, mother Mabel, father Frank, brother Robert, cousins Harold and Jack Addison. Survived by daughters, Angela Herbert, Columbus, OH and Janet Herbert, Portland, OR; sons, Mark (Kari) Bend, OR, Christopher, Denver, CO, Bill (Cindy) Portland, OR; sister-in-law, Clara Giordano, Webster, NY; brother-in-law, Augie (Tina) Cenname, Columbus, OH; brother, Frank (Claudia), Houston, TX. Bill Herbert lived a rich life of the mind, immersing himself over the years in numerous intellectual pursuits: black walnut tree cultivation, Civil War history, stock market index options, chess. He savored memories of his youth, fishing and camping along the Whitewater River, Dearborn County, Indiana, and was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds. Serving with the 487th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in WWII as an aircraft radar technician at Lavenham RAF, England, Bill fondly recalled raising a glass of scotch with locals in celebration of V-E Day. Educated in electrical engineering at Ohio State University, he worked in the coal, nuclear and semiconductor industries. A longtime member of the Columbus Astronomical Society, Bill was well known among local astronomy enthusiasts for his expertise as a first-rate amateur telescope mirror maker, and for 10 years operated a workshop in his home, advising makers on optics techniques. The Bill Herbert Mirror Lab at Perkins Observatory, Ohio Wesleyan University, is named in his honor. Bill particularly enjoyed the company of his five children, neighbors and kindred spirits who shared his interests. At a future date, Bill's family will host a star party and celebration of his life; attendance will be by invitation only. In Bill's memory, donations may be made to the Museum of Biological Diversity, Ohio State University, 1315 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH. 43212. Fund Number 305368.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Herbert

11 Entries

Janine Migden-Ostrander

March 10, 2021

It's hard to believe how long ago it was that Bill passed. We still think about him and Ursula and miss them both.
I will light a memorial candle for him on the 15th. Our best wishes to the Herbert family. Janine and Steve

Bruce Kiracofe

March 10, 2021

I only met William Herbert briefly, many years ago. I recall that he was very knowledgeable about telescopes and night sky viewing, and he how generous he was sharing his knowledge with me about that. He also raised a wonderful daughter Angie, who has been a longtime friend. I saw this notice of the anniversary of his passing, which made me think of him and Angie with a smile.

Janine Migden-Ostrander

March 16, 2020

We still miss Bill and think of him and Ursula often. Our best wishes to all their children. Janine and Steve

Candy Zarr

September 30, 2012

I just now learned of Bill's passing and am and deeply saddened. I had the privilege of working with Bill in his basement and treasure the time I spent there making a telescope. He was a sweet and thoughtful man- a true gentleman. He will be dearly missed. My prayers go out to his family.

March 25, 2012

Dear Angie, Jan, Mark, Chris and Billy,

Our deepest sympathy at Bill's passing. We always knew how very lucky we were to have such great neighbors as Bill and Ursula. They were dear friends. They loved you all so much and were so proud of you. We will miss all the interesting conversations on the front porch that we would have. Bill had a great intellect and was just such a nice man. We will remember with fondness how Bill would call us up at night when he had Jupiter's moons or the rings of Saturn in view on his telescope. We would bundle the kids against the cool crisp night air - in their Dr. Denton's - and lift them up to the scope to see. It opened worlds to them. When I go down to our cabin on a clear night and gaze up at the stars as we often do, I will think of Bill, that wonderful man.
With deepest sympathy, Janine

Bruce Kiracofe

March 23, 2012

So sorry to hear about Angie's dad Bill passing. I had met Bill only one time, and recall how he delighted in showing me his telescope/mirror stuff. My condolences to the surviving family members.

March 20, 2012

Angie my prayers are with you and your family. I always enjoyed hearing your stories about your wonderful father. Be strong and know this to soon shall pass. Always with warm regards,
Carla Jackson-Coworker

Jon Rudolph

March 19, 2012

So sorry for your loss Angie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

S Young

March 19, 2012

I never met Bill but was delighted to hear stories about him and Ursula from his daughter Angie. What an interesting and colorful life he led. He packed a lot into 87 years! And, how lucky he was to have such devoted,loving children.

Joan Etter

March 18, 2012

Even though we didn't see him much we have fond memories of Bill as a neighbor.
My granddaughter, who is 10 now, met him 3 years ago when we went to his house selling Girl Scout cookies. She wanted to go back and see him, because he was such a nice man.
He was so good to her, this shy little girl, when we were there. He really talked "to her" about things she found interesting.

Jim Addison

March 17, 2012

Bill was always a quiet, helpful, thoughtful person who enjoyed nature in general, especially his early teenage years visiting the Whitewater River camp--family owned--where we all swam, fished, boated, and just enjoyed the peace and quiet of nature.
Bill was always a high quality person. The
three Herbert boys and 3 Addison boys (first cousins) were best of friends, and switched off living a week at a time with each other during summer vacations. I'm fortunate to have retained those fond memories with the entire Herbert family in
the thirties and early 40's prior to WW-2.

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