John Reed Hersman, 68, of Ripley, WV, passed away October 1, 2025 at his home following an extended illness.

He was born December 11, 1956, a son of the late Gail Thomas and Marybelle (Reed) Hersman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister; brothers in law, Michael Gandee, Larry Chambers and Rondus Anderson; grandparents Guy and Miriam (Thomas) Hersman and Herbert and Elsie Reed.

John was a 1974 graduate of Ripley High School. He was a graduate of Glenville State College and the West Virginia University School of Nursing. He was a former employee of Dressler Industries in Houston Texas, Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia Poison Center and Select Specialty Hospital in Charleston, WV. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Ravenswood, WV. John enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, hunting, WVU and Ripley athletics. He raced motocross competitively throughout his youth until his early 20's and was nationally ranked.  He was also a member of the Penton Owner Motorcycle Group.

Survivors include his high school sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Laurie Mae (Gandee) Hersman; son, John Hersman Jr. of Gallipolis, OH; daughters, Jennifer (Daniel) Donohew of Evans, Jessica (Fuzz) French of Given and Jeanine (Evan) Hall of Fairplain; grandchildren, Zach (Monica) Hersman, Eli (Rikki) Casto, Autumn (Brandon) Davis, Aubrey (Colt) Davis, Landon Jones, Sofia Jones, Caleb(Hannah), Maddy (Hunter), Kiley (Jarrett), Jacob (Ireland), Andrew, Lilly (Nathan), Molly, Bella (Jaydon), Ally; great-grandchildren, Maddox, Rowan, Rylas, Oaklyn, Abel, Sammy, Dawson, Greylin, Cohen, Owen, McKenna, Wesley, Barrett, Josie Belle.  John's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of his life.  His favorite times were family beach vacations.

Service will be 3 p.m. ~ Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Casto Funeral Home, Evans, WV with Father Roy officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until time-of-service Sunday at the funeral home. Private interment will be in Otterbein Cemetery, Evans, WV.

Condolences may be shared with the family at: castofuneralhome.com