Wayne A. Herbert

Chief Wayne Herbert, born in Dayton, Kentucky, 59, lost his valiant battle of stage 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer on February 6, 2024. Wayne was married for 32 years to his loving wife, Robin. Chief Herbert was a devoted father to his two children, Ashley and Andrew. Wayne is survived by not only his wife and two children, but 3 sisters, two brothers, nieces, nephews, and God child.

Chief Herbert served his country for 23 years in the Navy as an Aviation Warfare Specialist. Chief Herbert was awarded several medals, such as, the Good Conduct Award, National Service Medal and supported our troops in several conflicts around the world, such as, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, as well as, Operation Enduring Freedom; aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after September 11th.

Chief continued his education while working full time and became a paramedic and served in the medical community for many years before going back to school, going on to receive an associate’s degree, bachelor’s and then his master’s in business administration at the University of Tennessee.

Chief Herbert continued with his career and became an auditor for the past 13 years in the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, TN and the Inspector General and traveled around the country before his illness forced him to retire.

Wayne loved learning new things, was amazingly handy around the house and what he did not know; taught himself. Wayne became part of the local flying club and logged as many flight hours as he could to earn his private pilot’s license. Unfortunately, he had to stop and become a caregiver in the family for several years and had to put his dream on hold. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to see his dream a reality.

Wayne was the most selfless individual, had an amazing calming presence and was an incredible teacher/instructor and enjoyed helping and was always willing to lend an ear, or hand to anyone in need.

Chief Herbert was not only an exemplary soldier during his years in the military, and employee, but was an amazing husband, father, best friend, provider and had an amazing love for life and a great sense of humor. Wayne loved his family and was the most selfless person. Chief Herbert dealt with his illness with amazing bravery and grace and never complained. Chief will be sorely missed and forever loved.

His wife, Robin, is working on the best way to honor his life and welcomes ideas and contributions once a decision is made. A memorial at a VA facility and celebration of life will be announced in the next few weeks.

but in knowing him you become not just a friend, but family.

Update: Wayne's loving wife, Robin, along with the funeral home has started the paperwork and process of having Wayne's cremains interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors. Wayne deserves to be recognized for his many years of service. 

It takes 6 months or longer to get an answer and if the answer is positive, it could take another year to year and a half to have services there. When a date is set, Robin will update the website or you may contact her directly as  to the progress. Military honors are only allowed once and those honors will be saved for Arlington. If Arlington opts out, another facility close to Arlington will more than likely be chosen. 

Celebration of Life for Wayne Herbert; Please join us as we share memories and say goodbye to a loving and devoted husband, father and friend. Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the VFW post 5154, 2561 Hobbs Road, Louisville, TN 37777.

Food and drinks will be provided after. We would love for you to  bring a shared memory so that we may add it to a memory book. Please RSVP Robin Herbert at 865-321-5159 .