David Lowell Hertzler

With broken hearts, the family of David Lowell Hertzler shares that he left this earth on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, just two days after his 91st birthday. He was born on May 25, 1935, in Denbigh, Virginia.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Asa M. Hertzler and Rebecca Shenk Hertzler Buskirk, and by his siblings Alvin, Alice, Amy, John Asa, and Joseph. David leaves behind his partner of many years, Christine Hamilton-Petteys; his sister-in-law, Mary Jean Cross; his sons, Dave Hertzler (Beth) and Asa Hertzler; and his daughters, Carmen Hertzler and Amy Hertzler. Nine grandchildren also survive him: Jeremy Mason, Melissa Carawan (Tommy), Susanna Bose (Eric), Will Schmidt, Amanda Schmidt, Amy Tyler (Ben), Bryce Hertzler, Anna Snyder, and Evan Hertzler. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Brock Carawan (Erin), Sophie Carawan, Shelby Mason, Luke Bose, Owen Bose, and Reid Bose, along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

David grew up in the Denbigh Mennonite Colony along the Warwick River. At a young age, he began working with his aunts, preparing chickens and selling them at market. Then, he delivered milk with his older brothers and Dad. His dad became ill when he was a teenager, so he quit school to help his family. He worked for a local builder where he quickly moved up to a supervisory position. Later, he finished high school and attended Thomas Nelson Community College studying art and cooking classes. As a young adult, he and his brothers operated a gasoline and oil business, landscaped yards, and founded Hertzler Brothers Builders. Together, they built numerous houses and townhouses in Newport News and Williamsburg, Virginia. David helped develop neighborhoods throughout the area.

He was well loved by his family. David nurtured and blessed his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, passing on many of his interests and skills to them.

David lived through art. He drew house plans, painted pictures, sketched, crafted pottery, sailed rivers and seas, and traveled to more than 30 countries. His final excursion was a bus trip along Route 66.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Warwick River Mennonite Church, 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, Virginia 23602. Interment will follow the service across the street from the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Long Green Mennonite Cemetery in Long Green, Maryland. The address to contribute is Warwick River Mennonite Church, 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, Virginia 23602, noting Long Green Mennonite Cemetery and David’s name. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.