HERSHBERGER, Jerry Lee - Korea
Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 22 Dec 1956 p 1 typed by Walt W
VEEDERSBURG - Fountain County Coroner Charles Fishero said Sunday night an inquest is pending in the death of Jerry Lee Hershberger, 26-year-old Sterling resident and cost clerk at R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co., Crawfordsville, whose body was found in his wrecked car Saturday morning.
Fishero said that it appeared Hershberger had met with accidental death in the crash of the automobile against a tree stump. The body was found in the car about 8 a.m., about a half-mile north of U.S. 136 and three miles west of Veedersburg.
It has been conjectured that the driver failed to see that he was at a T intersection and drove head-on into the stump.
He was last seen alive at the basketball game at Covington Friday night.
The accident occurred about a half-mile north of U.S. 136 three miles we t of Veedersburg. The driver apparently failed to see that he was at a T- intersection and his car crashed head-on into a large stump.
When discovered by Lowell Calloway and Louis Gremore, farmers living in t he vicinity of the accident scene, the body was nude. The clothing w as in the car.
Sgt. James M. Frazer of the state police said Hershberger had left a tavern at Westville, Ill., about 30 miles distant, at 3 a.m. Saturday. The officer estimated that the accident occurred about 4:30.
Frazier said he believed Hershberger was alone at the time of the crash because the auto was smashed so badly that he did not think it possible anyone could have left it.
Hershberger had worked at the Donnelley plant since returning from serving a year in Korea several years ago.
Born Sept. 2, 1930, in Veedersburg, Hershberger was the son of Clark and Lou Wilhite Hershberger. Both parents preceded him in death.
Hershberger was graduated from Veedersburg High School before he entered t he Army. He was a member of the Veedersburg Masonic lodge and of the Knights of Pythias.
The survivors include his stepfather, Roy Brandenberg of Sterling, and a brother, Clark Hershberger of Veedersburg.
Coroner Charles Fishero, State Det. James Fraser, Sheriff George Keller a d Deputy Sheriff George Cruea are investigating.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Veedersburg Chris tian Church, Rev. George Mitchell officiating, and burial will be in the Bonebrake Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the church for an hour prior to the services.
Members of Masonic Lodge No. 491 and Charles Forrest Post of the American Legion will take part in the services.
The body is at the Fishero Funeral Home.
Source: Obituaries: 1950s B Collection – Covington Public Library – thanks so much (especially to Brenda) – hand dated p 63 Hand dated Dec 28, 1956
Jerry Lee Hershberger, 26, well known and popular young man of Veedersburg was killed almost instantly early Saturday morning as his car was demolished in an auto wreck. The accident occurred on the Hovermale Road about 3 miles northwest of Veedersburg early Saturday morning as the car apparently failed to make a turn and struck a tree trunk. The car was discovered that morning by two farmers, Louis Greenmore and Lowell Galloway who notified the officials. Investigation into the wreck was conducted by the Sheriff, state Police and Coroner Charles Fishero. It is believed however that no foul play had been involved. Jerry was employed at the Donnelly plant in Crawfordsville and was considered a most skilled and dependable employee. He graduated from Veedersburg High School and worked for a time in the Veedersburg State Bank before serving with the US Army. He was a member of the Veedersburg Masonic Lodge and is survived by his brother, Clark Hershberger of Veedersburg. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Veedersburg Christian Church with pastor George Mitchell officiating. Masonic and Military rites were conducted by Lodge 491 F&AM and Charles Forrest American Legion Post. Burial was in the Rockfield Cemetery with the Fishero Funeral Home in charge. – kbz