Herbert Metzger

METZGER

Herbert R. (Herb)



Herbert R. (Herb) Metzger, age 90, passed away after over a decade of a courageous battle against several health issues that he faced with a valiant determination. The man with the biggest heart passed on Monday,

October 7, 2013, in The Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Herb was a fourth generation Lucas County resident, who was a multi-faceted individual, who was equally as comfortable in a class room, board room, an apple orchard, in the woods exploring nature, or his true passion, fishing. He was generous with his time, talent and treasures. Herb was an

advocate for Toledo and it's surrounding communities in Northwest Ohio. His style was to touch numerous

organizations and projects without a lot of fanfare. Herb lived by faith, family and fun. Family included many life long friends, who are like true family to the

entire Metzger clan.

Herb, who was so dearly loved, was born in The Toledo Hospital on June 9, 1923, to George F. and Rose (Schovner) Metzger. In his youth, he spent his free time at Metzger Marsh that his family owned, where he learned to love nature and fix anything. He graduated from Scott High School in 1941, and then attended Wittenberg University for one year, after which he transferred to Michigan State. To make

extra money in high school, he trapped muskrats and sold the meat to Tiedtke's in downtown Toledo. His studies were interrupted, when he was drafted for WWII. He later came back to Michigan State on the GI bill and graduated in 1948 in Agronomy (Soil Science) and Horticulture. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force and was in many training places across the USA. He eventually was sent to flight school in Scottsdale, AZ at Thunderbird #2 Airfield, where he flew PT22 Steerman biplane, which he loved. He also

attended mechanics and

hydraulics schools and used that knowledge to repair

airplanes. He was scheduled to fly out to the Pacific theater two weeks after the war ended in Japan. He later enlisted in the Naval

Reserves.

Herb had a life long love of learning and was always challenging his mind. He

received a BS and MS in Soil Science at Michigan State, Physics degree through the night school at University of Toledo, MS in Counseling, Guidance and Psychology and a Education Specialist degree at University of Toledo. He taught in Springfield schools and Anthony Wayne HS. He loved teaching Physics and Chemistry in the late 1950's. He still receives letters from his former

students and gets invited to all their reunions. He then worked for Washington Local Schools as a teacher for several years, a Psychologist for 3 years and then was Director of Pupil Personnel for 15 years. He developed the Special Education program there that still exists today. Herb not only loved to learn; his passion was to help others achieve their goals and expand their minds. He also did some land management out of state and owned a farm in Northwest Ohio, where he had a large apple orchard that was a hobby, as he

always shared the crop with family and friends.

After attending Michigan State, Herb met the love of his life, Carolyn Jones. They were married a short time later and have enjoyed 62 years of marriage. They were true partners and best friends. They had three daughters, four dogs, lots of ducks, and numerous other critters.

Herb's love for the city of Toledo was witnessed in the work that he did for several boards. He has served on the Toledo Zoo Board and Foundation, Toledo Symphony and The Toledo Hospital Board, where he was the Founding Chairman of Toledo Children's Hospital, which were all volunteer jobs. He was a member of The Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Club, American Legion Post #335 member, Sigma Xi, ATO Fraternity, Ducks Unlimited, former member of Slagle Trout Club, former member Castalian Trout Club and Hope

Lutheran Church. Herb was nominated for the Jefferson Award by Promedica. Herb received an award from Sandusky County naming him Outstanding Cooperator of the Year in 2001. In recognition of his work in reclaiming wetlands and creating marshes for wildlife, Ducks Unlimited National Named Herb Metzger as their Conservator of the Year in 2003.

As devoted as Herb was to community service, a legacy that was passed down to both himself and his sister from their parents and grandparents, he was even more devoted to his family. They admired him as a great friend, husband, and father. They fought hard to be advocates for him and never let him spend a night alone in any hospital or rehab facility during the past thirteen years. He enjoyed life and embraced it with an attitude of

gratitude. He acknowledged his many blessings and never forgot where they really came from. He considered himself a lucky man, even though in his later years, he had to endure a lot of limitations. Through out the journey, he never complained and took joy in the things that he could do and the time spent with family.

Herb enjoyed many hobbies and leisure pursuits, which included woodworking, farm management, his beloved apple orchards and was an avid outdoorsman and a successful fisherman, fishing whenever possible. Many friends have custom spinning rods that he made just for them which they proclaim catch the most fish! He also thoroughly enjoyed his numerous fishing trips to Alaska.

In addition to his devoted wife and life partner of 62 years, Carolyn, he is survived by his daughters, Susan Metzger (John Hadley), Sally (Jim) Friend, and Holly Metzger; sister, Anna May (Clayton) Timmons, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Eifert; cousin, Mary Lou McKenny (Charles, deceased), and cousin, Donna Peters

(Richard, deceased) and many loving nieces and nephews. But the true apples of his eye were his eight grandchildren, Michael and Kyle Friend, and Erika, George, Robert, Stefanie, Fred, and Mark Hadley. Also, he is survived by the many fish that he did not catch. He would also like to acknowledge the grade school teacher, who told his mother "not to expect too much from Herbert." That has provided the family with much laughter and smiles throughout the years.

The family would also like to express their thanks and gratitude to the caregivers, therapists and doctors who provided such wonderful care and comfort for Herb. Visitation will be at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main Street, Sylvania, OH on Sunday, October 13 from 3 - 8 p.m. Services at Hope

Lutheran Church, on the corner of Secor and Indian, will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorial

contributions be considered for The Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo

Children's Hospital, Toledo Symphony or Hope Lutheran Church - Salem Fund.