Paul N. Herr

Paul N. Herr, 94, of Willow Valley Community, Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, October 18, 2026. He was the husband of the late Leila B. Ferguson Herr who died in 2025 and his first wife Norma Herr who died in 1983. Born on the family farm in Highland Township, Chester County, PA, he was the son of the late Jacob S. Herr and Helen Coates Herr.

Paul graduated in 1950 from the S. Horace Scott High School in Coatesville, PA. He then continued his education, graduating from Penn State University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Following his lifelong interest in mechanics, Paul's career path lead him to NASA, where he worked for almost 30 years as a Propulsion Research Engineer. During his career, he was instrumental in the development of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs. He helped to put the first man on the moon. He truly was a Rocket Scientist, receiving the ESM Medal from NASA in 1982.

Paul's love for antique cars enabled him to be a member of the group who worked to establish and build the Antique Automobile Museum in Hershey, PA. He remained active with the museum for many years. Over the years, his personal collection of antique cars grew and so did the space he needed to store them. This space became his retreat where he enjoyed "tinkering on" and restoring three in his collection to their Hayday glory. He often took several from his collection to car shows and took top honors. He also served as a judge at car shows. One of his favorite shows, was the Annual Antique Auto Show in Hershey, PA.

Paul always enjoyed talking with others who shared the same passion for cars and knew the pros and cons of each model! His curiousity and love of how machines and mechanics worked, made him an expert on that subject. It was always an adventure for him. If he did not understand how the engine worked, he would take it apart and discover new ways to improve the engine's output.

Paul traveled from the countryside as a young boy growing up on a farm with his curiosity sometimes getting the best of him. He was always “pushing the edge” to see what would happen next. Never knowing that one day he would be pushing the edge once again for NASA. While working for NASA to “put a man on the moon” and developing a reusable space vehicle (space ship), this “old timer” grew up in the good old days where you had to entertain yourself because there were no video games, internet, or cable television.

Paul was a member of the Skerrett Masonic Lodge and the Brownstown Masonic Lodge. He and Leila attended Westminster Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, PA

Paul is survived by two grandchildren, Stephen Herr and Lauren Herr of Ohio, his daughter-in-law, Joni Herr of Ohio, and his nieces, Anne Herr of Gap, PA, Susan Herr of Farrell, PA Ellen Walters of Long Island City, NY and two great nephews Winston C Walters, and Emmett C Walters both of New York.

He was preceded in death by a son Robert C. Herr and a brother David L. Herr. Also surviving Paul are his nieces from his marriage to Leila - Susan Albright of Mountville, PA, Cheryl Eckman of Oxford, PA, and Nancy Swarr of Strasburg, PA

Funeral services, led by Rev. Steven Light of Westminster Presbyterian Church, will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St. Parkesburg, PA with a viewing and visitation from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service. Interment will take place at 2:00 PM at the Middle Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery, Quarryville, PA. Masonic services at 10:45 AM will be performed by the Skerett Masonic Lodge.

Donations in Paul's memory may be sent to Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation, 100 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584.