Henry Paul Herman, age 97, formerly of Celina, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Otterbein, surrounded by his children.

Paul was born in Burkettsville, Ohio, on February 13, 1926, the fifth child of Henry A. and Elizabeth "Lil" (Wildenhaus) Herman. On October 1, 1960, he married Helen L. (Brown) Herman who passed away on March 27, 2000.

He is survived by his children David (Sandy), Don (Jackie), Beth, Tim (Tracy), Ken (Lori) and Steve (Jennifer), sister, Joanne Straubinger of Tallahassee Florida, as well as 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Elizabeth Herman, loving wife Helen, siblings Marge (Temple) Herman, Gene Herman, Lucille (Rackham) Herman, Eileen (Wooles) Herman and grandchildren Jared Herman and Heather Hengstler.

His family moved to Celina in 1930 when his father, Henry Herman was elected as Mercer County Auditor. Paul attended Immaculate Conception school, graduating in May 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps., serving as a radio operator and gunner on a B-17.

Upon his discharge from the military, he attended Bowling Green University and later The Ohio State University. He was a proud and avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. Over the course of a successful 40-year career in the transportation and logistics industry, Paul and Helen relocated their family many times while raising their six children. He retired from Case Leasing in Celina, Ohio.

Paul had many interests in his life but none more important than family, friends, faith, and community. He strongly believed in 'paying it forward' and the value of community service. In addition to serving on the Celina City Council, he was an active member in the Immaculate Conception parish as well as several fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and VFW.

Paul took no greater pleasure than in the lives of his grandchildren. He loved working on puzzles and reading books with them, helping with their homework, and applauding them at their athletic events and performances. He will be missed tremendously by his family and his grandchildren, but the way in which he touched each of their lives individually will continue to be their guiding force.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. John Tonkin officiating. Military Honors conducted by the Celina American Legion Post #210 and the Celina V.F.W. Post #5713 will follow at the church.

A gathering for friends and family following the service will be held at 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post #210. Memorial contributions may be made "In honor of Paul Herman" to Teacher Enrichment Fund at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 229 W. Anthony St. Celina, Ohio 45822.

Condolences may be shared with the Herman family online at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.