Wayne A. Herbert

Wayne A. Herbert

Chief Wayne Herbert, born in Dayton, Kentucky, 59, lost his valiant battle of stage 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer on February 6, 2024. Wayne was married for 32 years to his loving wife, Robin. Chief Herbert was a devoted father to his two children, Ashley and Andrew. Wayne is survived by not only his wife and two children, but 3 sisters, two brothers, nieces, nephews, and God child.

Chief Herbert served his country for 23 years in the Navy as an Aviation Warfare Specialist. Chief Herbert was awarded several medals, such as, the Good Conduct Award, National Service Medal and supported our troops in several conflicts around the world, such as, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, as well as, Operation Enduring Freedom; aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after September 11th.

Chief continued his education while working full time and became a paramedic and served in the medical community for many years before going back to school, going on to receive an associate’s degree, bachelor’s and then his master’s in business administration at the University of Tennessee.

Chief Herbert continued with his career and became an auditor for the past 13 years in the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, TN and the Inspector General and traveled around the country before his illness forced him to retire.

Wayne loved learning new things, was amazingly handy around the house and what he did not know; taught himself. Wayne became part of the local flying club and logged as many flight hours as he could to earn his private pilot’s license. Unfortunately, he had to stop and become a caregiver in the family for several years and had to put his dream on hold. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to see his dream a reality.

Wayne was the most selfless individual, had an amazing calming presence and was an incredible teacher/instructor and enjoyed helping and was always willing to lend an ear, or hand to anyone in need.

Chief Herbert was not only an exemplary soldier during his years in the military, and employee, but was an amazing husband, father, best friend, provider and had an amazing love for life and a great sense of humor. 

Wayne loved his family and was the most selfless person. Chief Herbert dealt with his illness with amazing bravery and grace and never complained. Chief will be sorely missed and forever loved. 

Wayne's ashes will be laid to rest Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Due to protocol by the cemetery, family and friends are asked to meet at the main entrance at 8:45 AM to receive clearance to the cemetery.