Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

WYRICK

Batiz

Brounk

Jewell

Keck

Klingensmith

Morth

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – August 12, 2001

Hershel H. Wyrick Sr.

June 19, 1918 - Aug. 7, 2001

Hershel H. Wyrick, 83, residing at 3602 S. Ironwood, South Bend, Ind., passed away at 10:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, in Saint Joseph Care Center West in South Bend. Mr. Wyrick also had a summer home at Foxwood Hills (Cass Lake), Middlebury, Ind.

Hershel was born in Sommerville, Pa., on June 19, 1918. He lived in Leechburg, Pa., where he met and married Elizabeth "Betty" Batiz. They were married on Hershel's birthday, on June 19, 1941. Hershel served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater and one of the places he served was the island of New Guinea. After he was wounded he was sent to a Veterans Hospital at Framingham, Mass. Betty joined him there while he was recuperating. They also spent a short time in Atlantic City for some rest and relaxation.

Hershel retired from Bendix Corporation in 1980 and was a member of the Bendix Retirees Organization. He ushered at the Notre Dame stadium for 44 years. Hershel worshiped at the St. Paul's Retirement Community Chapel. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and was a former member of the Bendix Eagles.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty"; one son, Hershel Jr. (Carol) of Columbus, Ind.; three sisters, Ann Morth of South Bend, Hazel Keck of Latrobe, Pa., and Thelma Klingensmith of Rossiter, Pa.; two grandchildren, Hershel III and Ena (Steve) Jewell; three great-grandchildren, Erin, Jason and Cody Jewell; and by one great-great-granddaughter, Alexis Brounk.

Hershel was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Dora (Ishman) Wyrick; one son, Richard; one grandson, Richard II; and by six brothers and sisters.

St. Joseph's Retirement Community Board has honored Hershel's volunteerism since he moved into the retirement community in 1980 with a plaque that will be given to the person who they will select each year for their volunteer attributes.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the St. Paul's Retirement Community in the chapel, 3602 S. Ironwood, South Bend. There will be no visitation. Graveside services and burial have taken place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Osceola, Ind.

Contributions in memory of Hershel H. Wyrick Sr. may by donated to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; the Salvation Army, 2009 South Bend Ave., South Bend, IN 46637; or to St. Paul's Heritage Fund, 3602 S. Ironwood, South Bend, IN 46614.

A way to remember Hershel: Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am in the winds that blow. I am part of the glint of light on the lake. I am the gentle summer's rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. I am with the Father.

Father's hold their children's, grandchildren's, great-grandchildren's and great-great-grandchildren's hands for a while…their hearts forever.

The Palmer Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of funeral arrangements.