Jeffrey Herbert

Jeff was a native of Toledo, Ohio, where he was born November 17, 1953, to Frank J. Herbert, Jr., and Doris Gleason Herbert. He graduated from Whitmer High School in 1971, and went on to study industrial engineering at the University of Toledo. In 1977, his focus shifted to residential construction and he became a licensed builder.

He moved to Columbus in 1986, when he and three partners relocated the corporate offices of Thermal-Gard of Ohio to that city. He left Thermal-Gard to start his own custom cabinet and woodworking business, while continuing to specialize in residential and light commercial construction.

In 1994, he formed The Inspection Group, and became an industry leader in the field of home inspection. He enjoyed all aspects of the housing and construction business, and was admired for his good humor, generosity, and sense of fair play.

When not working, Jeff was an enthusiastic cook and an avid sailor, fisherman, and hunter. Lake Erie was his first love and always held a special place in his heart.

Above everything, he was passionate about spending time with his boys. He passed on to them his love of the water, boats, motorcycles, mini-bikes and much more, including such Toledo favorites as Rudy's Hot Dogs and kibbi from The Beirut.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Debora Ann Herbert; and long-time friend Woody (Conrad) Pfisterer.

Survivors include friend and former wife Ruth Herbert; sons Lorre, Jarrod and Mitchell; brother Randy, and Noreen Herbert, of Baltimore, Md.; brother F. John Herbert, and Mel Andringa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother Keith Herbert, and Katie Gantz, Hollywood, Md.; many nieces and nephews, including Sara Herbert, Jacob Baker, Kelly Applefeld, and Lauren Barnette; and good friends Kevin Burley, Wally Hoyer, Tony Marinelli and Pete Baldwin. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.