Edward "Ed" Hering

Edward "Ed" Hering, 68, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Salcha, Alaska, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Mountain Home, most likely mentally redesigning whatever building, deck or boat he'd just walked past because it wasn't up to his standards.
Ed could run the Salcha River blindfolded (and sometimes did just to scare us). He built things that refused to fall down and fixed things that everyone else had already given up on. He taught many of us how to drive a river boat, swing a hammer without hitting a thumb (usually) and keep going long after quitting felt like the smart option, all while delivering a steady stream of smart-ass commentary sharp enough to shave with.
Ed never met a crooked stud, a slow current or a bad joke he couldn't improve. His shop smelled like fresh cut spruce and burnt coffee. His boat always had one extra life jacket and one less empty beer can than you expected. His idea of affection was handing you the wheel in a riffle and saying, "try not to sink us, genius."
Ed leaves behind a river that feels too quiet now, a garage full of tools that still knows whose hands they belong to and a whole bunch of people who are better at building, boating and life because Ed decided they were worth the sarcasm.
So long, you cranky, brilliant old river rat. We'll keep the lines tight, the cuts square and the jokes filthy, just like you taught us. The Salcha won't sound quite right without you cussing at it.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Freda Hering. The first half of his life was spent with Becky Baird and the second half was with Renee Westerberg. He leaves behind, Chelcie, Vincent, Tyson, Kimberly, James and Scotty; eight granddaughters; two grandsons and lots of loving friends.
Arrangements are by Conner Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center. His loved ones will celebrate his life in Alaska at a later date. An online guestbook and obituary are available at connerfamilyfuneralhome.com.