Donald Lee "Donnie" Herbst, Sr.

Donald Lee “Donnie” Herbst, Sr., 76, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 5, 2021, with his loving wife and daughter at his side. He was the husband of Judy L. (Reichard) Herbst. The couple planned to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary on January 7th. Due to COVID-19, viewing and services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Pl., Red Lion is in charge of arrangements. Born on May 1, 1944 in Red Lion, he was a son of the late Edward W. and Gertrude M. (Seinstrickler) Herbst. Donnie grew up working for his Dad, he taught him everything he knew about working on cars and he and his wife purchased the business from his Dad and became the owner and operator of Herbst Service Center for almost 50 years. He also worked at Tobacco Nuforms and drove a school bus for Red Lion Bus Co./ Krapf for over 40 years, hauling three generations of children. Donnie was a loving husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and friend. He was always there to help anyone in need and always greeted you with one of his smiles that melted your heart and a laugh that made you laugh with him. Even on his worst days of pain he would greet you with a smile. He fought a long fight from his stroke in 2014 to his cancer in 2017. Donnie loved doing his word finds, doing his garden work with his Farmall Cub Tractor and watching the crops grow, he loved to mow his grass, being in the pole barn, he has happiest when he was outside doing anything. He loved his family and his friends with all his heart. God saw your struggles getting harder and he took your hand and carried you home. You are now free of pain. You took a piece of our hearts with you. Love you always. Along with his soulmate, Judy, Donnie is survived by two sons, Donald Herbst, Jr. of Windsor and Harry Herbst of Red Lion; daughter, Mary Herbst and her companion and Donnie’s best friend, Weldon Horn; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; three brothers, Richard Herbst of Red Lion, Edward “Junie” Herbst of Windsor and Rick Herbst of Red Lion; and three sisters, Carol Hilt of Felton, Sue Bankert of Red Lion and Stacy Hunter of Red Lion. He was preceded in death by his sister, June Miller Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Po Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238 or the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Rd., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17112. CLICK HERE TO SEND FLOWERS