Paul N. HERDMAN

News Death Notice

HERDMAN, Honorable Paul N. 85, a longtime resident of Morrow, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash with his loving family at his side. Born in Adams County on June 9, 1927, the oldest of seven born to Russell & Pearl (nee: Henize) Herdman, he graduated from Franklin High School in Locust Grove before entering the U.S. Navy to serve during World War II. Following the war, Paul attended Wilmington College and University of Cincinnati Law School, graduating in only four years from both. During his education, he worked several jobs including driving a taxi and owning and operating the Miami Theatre in Morrow. His devoted wife, the late Virginia (nee: Moore) Herdman, predeceased him in September 2011 . They were members of Morrow United Methodist Church and raised three surviving daughters; Kathy Brady, Esq. (Michael) of Flat Rock, NC, Dr. Robyn Suna (Dr. Lester) of Loveland and Jillora Summers, Esq. (Doug) of Lebanon. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Megan Lavin, Esq. (Jeffrey), Paige Lurie (Dean), Paul Revelson, Esq. (Robyn), Michael Suna, Elise Suna, Joseph Cesta, Esq. (Allison), Alexandra Cesta and Anne Marie Cesta; one great granddaughter, Layla Lurie and three grandstepsons, Zachary Summers, Nathan Summers and Theodore Summers; four brothers, Eugene, Ralph, Donald and John Herdman; and two sisters, Mary Landis and Gladys Broyles. Paul led an extraordinary life in politics and business. He began his career as a lawyer in 1951, joining Frank Anderson In Lebanon, which evolved into the final practice of Herdman, Summers & George LLP. Paul served as the Warren County Court Judge from 1960-1988 hearing over 70,000 cases,never being reversed by an appellate court. As an active member of the Democrat Party, he attended national conventions for Adlai Stevenson and John Kennedy and supported many state and local candidates. Paul became President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of 1st National Bank in Warren County and was paramount in the bank's growth to its current size of 11 locations in four counties. He owned and operated Little Miami Sand and Gravel, Propipe Manufacturing, Morrow Finance Company, General Denver Hotel, and he was also a real estate broker. He was a President of Warren County Unit of the American Cancer Society, former Vice President of the Warren County Heart Council, former Member of the Metropolitan Housing Authority, Charter Trustee of Countryside YMCA, former Chairman of the Warren County Board of Elections, Honorary Ohio Attorney General, former Chairman of the Warren County Democratic Party and former Solicitor for the Villages of Maineville and Harveysburg. Although he loved the practice of law, influencing two of his daughters and three of his grandchildren to become attorneys, his greatest love was his grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 23rd, 5-7:00 PM, at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon. A private entombment will take place in Lebanon Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations are requested to the Warren County Democrat Party. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hoskinsfh.com.