Michael Scott Hercher, 55, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away at Summa Hospital in Akron, Ohio, on Monday, April 14, 2025, after a brief illness.
 He was born October 26, 1969, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Ralph Hercher Jr. and Sharon Dougherty Barrows.
 Mike enjoyed growing up on the farm at Sycamore Valley where he also enjoyed playing sports and spending much time hunting and fishing with friends.
 After graduating from Skyvue High School in 1988, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent a tour in Egypt and Israel during the Desert Storm conflict as a helicopter mechanic specialist. After returning to the states and completing his five years in the military in Texas, Mike remained in Spartan School of Aeronautics in Oklahoma, where he had a debilitating injury on May 25, 1995, with many years recovering in Oklahoma, Ohio, and the VA in Pittsburgh, Pa.
 Surviving in addition to his parents is a sister, Jennifer (Joe) Wells and their three sons, Jonathan, Jacob and Lucas; his stepmother, Penny Piatt and his aunt, Rhonda (Dean) Schweitzer.
 In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by stepfather, Randy Barrows.
 Friends will be received at Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78, Woodsfield, Ohio, from 12 p.m. until time of military and funeral services at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 19, 2025, with Jason Dougherty officiating.
 Burial will follow in Creighton Ridge Cemetery, Sycamore Valley, Ohio.
 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Community Center, c/o Kevin Williamson, 30991 Township Road 843, Lower Salem, OH 45745.