No picture provided.
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| Spouse: |
Doris Joan Robertson
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| Children: |
Noel Scott Robertson
Shari Anne Robertson Church
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| Grandchildren: |
Sarahbeth Robertson Kayton
Seth Aaron Robertson Kayton
Bryan Hurston Church
James Bradley Church
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| Parents: |
George Allen Robertson and Martha Elizabeth Cunningham
Myrtle Forest Robertson White and William Boyd
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| Siblings: |
Dorothy Elswortha Robertson
Leonard Allen Robertson
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| Grandparents: |
None listed
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| Family
Legacies™ |
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Cemetery Location Map to Gravesite |
Birth Date: 5/8/1924
Death Date: 12/26/1999
Memorial Park Cemetery
Section 11, Lot 160, Grave 10
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| Herschell was born on a spring day in Indianapolis, Indiana, joining his two siblings, Dorothy and Leonard. After graduating from Grade School 51, he attended Arsenal Technical High School, excelling in math, art, drafting and photography. Herschell was an imposing figure; he stood 6 feet 2 inches with coal black hair. He met his future wife Joan in roll room. It must have been fate; they had the same last name! They traveled on their dates on Herschell's motor-scooter.After high school, Herschell joined the Navy. The M.S. Sommelsduk sailed him to the Russell and Solomon Islands. He learned quickly and occasionally led the men in semaphore signals and rifle drill. His letters to Joan were sometimes riddled with censor's holes. He volunteered to be a baker on the island. His baked goods and holiday posters increased morale. He painted island pictures to make extra money. On the way back from a native village, Herschell's motorboat engine quit, but he was able to paddle to an island. A search party rescued him and a friend about 9 pm. Once, an oven blew up, but everyone made it out safely.After the war, Herschell was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, where he received his honorable discharge in 1946. He and Joan were married soon after. Two years later they had a son, Noel and then a daughter, Shari. They lived in the other half of Grandma Farrell's duplex until 1960 when they bought their first home in the suburbs. Herschell enjoyed time with his family, performing magic tricks, playing cards and swimming at the Miramar. He joined the Masons, Shrine and Scottish Rite; these brotherhoods remained important to him. His hobbies included photography, golf and bowling. Herschell began his ten-year career at Farm Bureau Co-op. He designed displays for their State Fair tent and produced informational films and advertisements. Simultaneously, he attended John Herron Art School on a scholarship, earning his two-year degree. He worked in commercial art and advertising most of his career. His family was proud of him when he earned his Bachelor of Art degree at Indiana-Purdue University in 1972. When his position at National Retail Hardware Association was dissolved, he started his own business as a manufacturer's sales representative and then realtor.During retirement, Herschell and Joan traveled a bit and enjoyed visits with their children and grandchildren. Herschell was a perfectionist. He had empathy for others. He was knowledgeable in first aid, history and popular science and had a cool head during an emergency. Many remember his quick wit and sense of humor. His skills provided his family with an invaluable photographic record of their past. Joan died of a heart attack on Christmas evening 1999. Herschell died the next evening. The playfulness that began in their roll room lasted 53 years. Now they are together as, perhaps, it was meant to be. |
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Herschell at home on his tricycle.
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Herschell (left) with his sister and brother.
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Herschell's first transportation was a motor-scooter.
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Herschell marries the girl of his dreams, Joan, with his brother Leonard and Barbara Squires looking on.
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Herschell at work.
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Herschell at play with his children, Shari and Noel.
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Herschell, Joan, Noel and Shari visit with Vaughn Monroe (middle).
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Joan and Herschell loved to go downtown to the "Circle". Herschell took this picture with his tripod.
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In 1982 Herschell got a little nutcracker ornament on the Christmas package from his mother-in-law, only to find a bigger one inside the package.
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Herschell always enjoyed celebrating with his family. (l to r) Shari, Ed, Bryan, Sarahbeth, Seth, Joan and Herschell.
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