LEXINGTON: David Hershner wore black leather for Jesus. A motorcycle enthusiast since his youth, Dave had a passion for evangelism and was a member of Sons of God Motorcycle Club – a national organization of real bikers, doing real life – living according to God’s Word, and riding. He later founded Evangelists for Christ a local motorcycle group, and served as its president. Dave’s motorcycle ministry was personal and constant, witnessing to waitresses with a simple question “do you know Jesus?” He ministered to folks in an authentic way, a way he could never do wearing a suit and tie.
Dave knew Jesus, and his faith in Him became sight in the early morning hours of Friday, February 21, 2025 from OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was 83.
Born May 9, 1941 in Mansfield to parents Clyde Carlton and Laura Eleanor (McDanel) Hershner, Dave was graduated from Lexington High School in 1959. His cousin introduced him to a Johnsville girl (“Damn! Look at her!” Dave quipped), and on April 9, 1961 he was married to Patricia Ann Crawford.
A certified welder, Dave could weld any metal, any project, and any part. He operated his own business: MidOhio Welding for decades, yet seldom charged enough for his time, talent and service.
Blessed with a rich bass voice, Dave loved to sing, and sang with “The Harmonaires” a Southern Gospel vocal group. He was a gifted guitarist.
To know Dave was to know a man quick with a joke – he loved to make people laugh – even if the joke was a bit ornery…well, off-color, even… the more shocking the better.
He will be remembered as a “Giver”. Generous of his time and talents, Dave invested in others – teaching them his mechanics skills, and life skills, shaping others not by what was done or given – but by the intention of his heart.
Dave leaves a legacy as a real man, who lived an authentic life – a hard worker – who wore black leather for Jesus.
He is survived by his children Tammy (Rick) Gaul of Johnstown, Mike (Carolyn) Hershner of Bellville, and Mark (Jody) Hershner of Mansfield; grandchildren Amy Yanok, Holly Jones, Kelly King, Brandon Hershner, and Ericka Neal; 16 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Louella (Richard) Shasky of Mansfield; brothers-in-law Charles (Kathleen) Crawford of Knoxville, Tennessee, and John (Paula) Crawford of Westerville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His beloved Patricia passed into the Lord’s care November 28, 2024. Also deceased is his sister Saundra Henry.
A Worship service, giving glory to God for the life of David Hershner will be held Saturday, March 8, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Storyside Church, 541 State Route 97 West, Bellville. Pastor Micah Pelkey will preside. The Hershner family will receive friends immediately following the service. The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave’s memory may be made to his family, and may be made at service, or at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to serve the Hershner family. Share a memory of Dave – and watch his tribute video – online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com