Rev. Thomas A. Herbon

Rev. Thomas A. Herbon, 83, of Goshen, entered life eternal early Thursday morning, Sept. 15, 2011, at his home. He was born June 17, 1928, in Detroit, Mich. to the late Albert H. and Sophia J. (Sangle) Herbon. He married Betty Ruth Ott August 11, 1951. He later married Carole Ruth Wetherell Sept. 4, 1971. She survives. Also surviving are five children, Janice (Phil) Gerth, Upsala, Minn.; Paul (Cheryl) Herbon, Canton, Mich., Lori (Pat) Putnam, Flower Mound, Texas, John (Robin) Herbon, Loveland, Ohio, and David (Alissa) Herbon, Zionsville; 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, James F. Herbon in 1963; his father- and mother-in-law, Elwyn and Eileen Wetherell, formerly of Shumway; sister-in-law Charlene Wetherell Mall; and niece Erin Marie Mall.. Pastor Herbon graduated from Eastern High School in 1946; Capital University, Columbus, Ohio in 1950; and Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1954. God called him and blessed his ministries at Calvary Lutheran Church, Angola 1954-1962; Grace Lutheran Church, Westchester, Ill. 1962-1967; Messiah Lutheran Church, Elgin, Ill., 1968-1977; St. John Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, 1977-1980; and Trinity Lutheran Church, Goshen, 1980-1993. After retirement in 1993, he served part-time at St. John's Lutheran Church, Nappanee, 1993-2000 and St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Middlebury as Visitation Pastor 2002-2005. He served as president of the Ministerial Association for a term in Angola and Goshen. He also served on the board of the Wernle Children's Home, Richmond; the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry IN-KY Board; and on the Board of Directors of the Adult Day Care Program, Goshen. He enjoyed a capella sacred music, gardening, tennis, hand splitting wood for the fireplace, preaching and being "shepherd" to his congregants. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 Saturday, Sept. 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. A 4:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, funeral service will be conducted at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor John Hickey officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Endowment Fund, 5215 N 450 W, angola, IN 46703. Following services his body will be donated to IU Medical Center.