Tom Herron
Trustee Achievement Award
Nominated by Bill Rogers
Tom was born in Ashland and attended Montgomery Elementary School through the
fifth grade. His family moved to town in 1953. He finished his sixth grade at
Arthur Street School. The following year Little League Baseball started up in
Ashland. He was fortunate to be selected to play for Kastan's Jewelers playing
for Manager Eddie Farris. Pony League began the next year and for two years
he played for team sponsor, Myers Pumps. Being a team leading hitter, he was
selected each year to the All-Star Team. During his high school years, under
Coach Bud Plank, his primary sport was baseball in the spring and American
Legion ball in the summer. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1959.
Continuing with his enthusiasm for summer youth sports, he managed Pony
League baseball for seven years. Also during the 1960's and early 1970's he
played fast pitch softball for the Red Barn, VFW and Myers teams. For two
years he was the Faultless Rubber Softball team official scorekeeper and statistician.
While attending Ashland College and working full time, he was also a
member of the Ohio Air National Guard for nine years serving a total of 16
months of active duty. Tom graduated from Ashland College in 1969 with
a Bachelors of Science in Business Management. Tom has been involved in
fundraising since 1986 while serving as the Alumni Annual fund Director at
Ashland University. Tom retired from Ashland University in 2005. He now
volunteers at the Senior Citizens Center and serves on the board of Trustees.
He also helps with the monthly dinners and does chair canning restoration
at the Center.
Tom became involved with ACSHOF in 1990. Joining efforts with Bill
Mills, together they contacted many local businesses seeking their support
for the Hall of Fame. For 20 years, Tom has coordinated fundraising mailings
to HOF members, businesses and friends. Through his efforts the Bill
Mills Scholarship was created in 1994 and the first scholarship was awarded
in 1996. Tom and his scholarship committee, through the years have evaluated
over 500 student applications. To date over $30,000 has been awarded
to 44 Ashland County high school seniors. With the assistance of HOF officers
and members at large for the past 20 years, he has also coordinated local
fundraising events and mailings to HOF members, businesses and friends to
generate funds to offset operating costs for bi-ennial induction program and
the annual Bill Mills Scholarship awards.
Tom and his wife, Chris, are members of Grace Brethren Church, serving
on several committees. They are parents of four children; Jodie Dingus (Lindsey)
of Loudonville; Scott (Alison) of Bentonville, Arkansas; Tammy Higgins
(Jarrod) of Ashland and Emily of Tiffin. They have seven grandchildren with
the eighth grandchild expected in September.
