Mr. Donald R. Hershberger
December 22, 1935 ~ November 11, 2024
Born in:
Thomas, WV
Resided in:
Weirton, WV
Donald R. Hershberger, 88, of Weirton, WV, an award-winning band director and passionate music educator, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024.
Born on December 22, 1935, in Thomas, WV, Don’s life was a testament to his love for music, his dedication to his students, and his profound impact on all who knew him.
After graduating from Phillipi High School, Don pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, with aspirations of becoming a Marine Corps aviator. A diving accident altered his path, leading him to serve in the infantry as a platoon leader before joining the prestigious Marine Corps Band and later, the Marine Corps Jazz Band. Don’s passion for jazz was inspired by his family—his uncle, a saxophonist, and his aunt, a pianist—and he himself was a drums and percussion prodigy.
For over 30 years, Don taught music and directed bands in the public school system, retiring in 1984. However, his commitment to music education never waned, and he continued to share his expertise and love for music with countless students. Recognized for his dedication, he was named Band Director of the Year by the Eastern Band Master’s Association, where he also served as president.
Don was renowned for his full schedule, boundless energy, and unwavering generosity in sharing his musical gifts. He frequently spoke at band conventions nationwide, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Don was also a devoted member of his community. He participated actively in the Lion’s Club and Kiwanis Club in Phillipi, as well as the Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church in Weirton.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley, and his beloved son Jeffrey, who tragically passed away on September 19, 1981, in a motor vehicle accident.
Don’s legacy of music, leadership, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, including his wife, Gloria Ann (Bryan) Hershberger; his son, Mark E. Hershberger, and daughter-in-law Leanne Hershberger.
In accordance with his wishes, private services will be held at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, with military honors conducted by the United States Marine Corps, and the American Legion Post 10.
Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Ann and Mark, deepest condolences to you. Spent so many hours with this wonderful educator. He taught me and hundreds of others a love for music. He was the leader of our band family and he will always be fondly remembered. Such great memories at Weir High because of him and the band. May those happy memories help you through this difficult time. Much love, Melanie
Mark — 2024 was not a good year for our parents. Sending much love in this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy AND empathy.
My condolences to the Hershberger family. Your dad and husband was such a huge influence on my musical career. He was a great teacher and because of him I had an advantage in rhythm and theory. I’m so grateful to have known him. Many times when I’ve heard a sloppy attack in the brass section, I could hear his voice saying: that sounded like “death eating crackers”!
Ann and Mark, my condolences. I was privileged to have Don as my student teaching mentor and then had the good fortune to follow in his footsteps at Weir HS. I will always remember him fondly and am grateful for all that he taught me. May beautiful memories lessen the pain of his passing. Joan Gould Palmer
Condolences to the Hershberger family. “Mr. Hersh” was the best – a disciplined taskmaster who demanded excellence from his band students. I was lucky to have spent 4 yrs in the 70’s in the Percussion section under his leadership. Him being a drummer himself made us all the better (and I hope we made him proud of his striving for us to keep perfect time and playing in unison!). We all had the greatest respect for him. I can say without a doubt he was one of my best teachers ever & my inspiration for joining the WVU Mountaineer Marching Band’s Snare Drumline. Thank you for all that you contributed to music & your students, Mr . Hersh !
Rest in Peace , Sir.
My most sincere condolences to the Hershberger Family. Don was a great Band Director that lead the Weir High Band to many events where we receive awards of excellence, trips to dream places because of our outstanding musicians, and State Music Awards for excellence. He pushed us to be our best selves and made many pursue a career in music because of his mentorship. He left a lasting impression on every student that passed through his band program and he did more for the Weir High Music program than any other Band Director. He will be missed by every person that had the honor to know him and learn from him. Rest in Peace, Don! Thank you for being a mentor in my formative years and a friend during my adult years. Weir High Class of 1976!
My most deepest condolences to Mr. Hershberger”s family. I’m very sad that someone who I so respected, admired and helped steer me to join the Marine Corps has left us. Mr. Hershberger spent so much time with us band members that he felt like a second father. I can still picture him along side of our band in a parade being so proud. When other teachers had the summer off his was with us making Weir High Band the best. After all these years he has been in my thoughts and always will.
Anne and Mark – sincere condolences on your loss and thank you for sharing Mr. Hershberger with so many of us for so many years. Band was such an important part of our lives – the hours, the camaraderie, the joy of making music, and the feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself. He was an excellent teacher, a mentor, and he demanded best from you and of himself. Am truly sorry to learn of his passing. You are in my prayers.
Jeff & family,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Don gave me a love for music & confidence in myself. Being under his direction in the High School band was the best time of my childhood. His hard work and love for his students will remain in the memories of so many. May God comfort you at this time!
While I only played Trumpet Freshman & Sophomore Years to go into Vocational Shop Classes Junior & Senior Years; i have fond memories of my 2 years under his direction. I picked up my trumpet again in 2018 and am enjoying playing again. I think often of those years, Mr Herschberger and Jr High Mr Defillipo. God’s Peace, Love & Comfort to his loved ones. Jim