Hershel W. Manhart

Hershel W. Manhart, (LTC, USAF, Ret) 90, of Peru, passed away at 10:20 AM, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Carlyle, IL, on December 25, 1933, the son of Hershel B. and Sylvia Zinn Manhart. Hershel married Theresa (Terry) Torbett on January 21, 1958, in Valdosta, GA, and she preceded him in death November 23, 2023. Hershel was a 1958 graduate of Sandoval High School, Sandoval, IL; he attended the University of Southern Illinois and graduated from Purdue University. Hershel served in the US Air Force for 22 years and was a Vietnam Veteran. His military decorations include the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 7 oak leaf clusters. Hershel's greatest joys in life were his wife and family, and his Roman Catholic Faith where he was a regular at Sunday Mass. He served on the Board of Directors of Birth Rite of Peru and the Grissom Air Museum. Hershel also served as the Director of the Grissom Redevelopment Authority. He was a member of the Peru Lions Club, and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award for Community Service. Hershel was designated a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Mike Pence in 2014. He was the Founding Father of the Miami County Helping Hands and remained active until his retirement early this year. Hershel is survived by his sons, Hershel E. Manhart and Matthew A. Manhart of Noblesville, IN. A brother John Manhart and his wife Myrna of Carlyle, IL and sisters Shirley Feldman of Damiansville, IL and Sharon Schulte of Breese, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Terry, brothers Robert and David Manhart, and a sister Nora Belle Pate. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Hersel W. Manhart will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 West 5th St, Peru, IN, with Rev. Michael Block officiating. Burial will be at Mt Hope Cemetery with Military Honors provided by members of the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Family and friends will gather from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home in Peru. There will be a prayer service at 8:00 PM, Friday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Miami County Helping Hands.
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