David Allan Herman

David Allan Herman, 75, of Toledo, passed away on January 2, 2024, at home. He was born to the late Wade and Eileen Herman on November 5, 1948, just two days after the infamous “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline ran in the Chicago Daily Tribune. Like that headline, Dave’s life is a reminder that our present circumstances needn’t dictate our future, and that happiness often waits for us on the far side of struggle.

Dave was born in Toledo and spent most of his life there, graduating from Bowsher High School and the University of Toledo. He peppered his timeline with brief but eventful stays in several western states including California, where he served honorably in the US Navy.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Toby (Pat) Herman. He is survived by his sons, Zach (Annelise) and Eli; his brother, Bruce; and an array of family members and friends.

For the past 10 years, Dave worked as a driver and dispatcher for a Toledo-area taxi service. He built a lasting rapport with his customers, many of whom were senior citizens with no personal mode of transportation. Dave often memorized the voices of his customers and their most common routes, so he could connect them quickly with the services they needed.

Dave encountered obstacles throughout his life—ill health and a merciless economy were part of his story, as they are for so many of us. He relied on his faith in Christ to carry him through. Optimism is a hard-won character trait, and Dave put in the work over many years to maintain a positive outlook in trying times. He became known as a source of encouragement to people who were walking through the same valleys he had once traversed.

In his final years, Dave found a treasured church community at Wonder Ministries in Toledo. The people there embraced Dave, celebrating his mentorship and his gift for storytelling. In turn, he raved about their welcoming spirit. “Brother David” served on the church leadership team and often delivered the opening prayer at Sunday services.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held later this month.