Herbert Mickles

Herbert Mickles, also known as “Coach Herb” of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on February 22, 2022 at the age of 89. He was born on June 20, 1932 in Selma, Alabama before moving to Toledo with his family where he was raised by his parents, Kaiser and Annie (Mae Miller) Mickles.

He attended Waite High School where he discovered his passion for boxing at the tender age of 16, graduating in 1951. After graduation in 1953, Herb proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War until 1955. Not only did he leave a mark in the military for his loyal service, but he was also remembered as the All-Army, All-Services, and All-European Boxing Champion during his time. Herb went on to win many Golden Gloves crowns across the country, which created a legacy for his name that will never be forgotten.

Herb was a dedicated coach to the Padre’s little league baseball team which began at Lincoln Elementary School in 1986, where the team won many championships during his time. He also coached with the Toledo Police Athletic League beginning in 1988. He mentored and led the youth up until his retirement in 2017, where Gunkel Park named Herb Mickles Field in his honor. He was inducted into the African American Legacy Project Hall of Fame on June 23, 2018 where his museum display remains today.

Herb was a very humble, generous man who always sacrificed himself and his time for others. He was a mentor and a father figure to many and made it his goal to help kids down the right path. He told you how it was while keeping his sense of humor and could always be found with a cookie or two in his hand. He was a Christian who dearly loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Herb was preceded in death by both of his parents; daughter, Kenise Meyers; sisters, Lucy Frison, Josephine Mickles, Ann Rogers, Mary Mickles; brothers, Sammy Mickles, Frederick Mickles. He is survived by his former wife, Betty Mickles; brother, Tommy Mickles; children, Valerie Hughley, Tami Mickles, Darnel Mickles, Jeffrey Thomas; bonus children, Renee Colter, Darell Foreman, and Lasharay Odunsi; grandchildren, LaTrice Mickles, Kejuan Mickles, Britni Mickles, Darnel Massengill; great grandchildren, Asya Jenkins, Navaeh Mickles; good friends, Darrie Riley, Steve Boyd; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2022, from 4-7:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH. A visitation at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2001 Ashland Ave, Toledo, OH, will follow on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Willow Cemetery in Oregon, OH. Condolences and flowers can be sent to the family directly at walkerfuneralhomes.com, or a monetary donation can be made out to PAL (Police Athletic League) in Coach Herb’s honor.