Gordon Keith SHERMAN Passed away May 25th, at the age of eighty-seven, surrounded by family at his Shoreline home. Known affectionately as "G.K.," he was deeply loved by all who had the good fortune to know him.
G.K. was born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1920. His family moved to Cisco, Texas In 1935. During High School he was all district guard in basketball and was also County Tennis Champion. His interest in tennis continued throughout his life. In 1938 he graduated as Valedictorian from Cisco High. G.K. took over the role of caregiver and father figure at an early age, helping to raise and support his three younger siblings during his teenage years. This selflessness and take-charge attitude would continue to define G.K. throughout his remarkable life.
In April of 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and entered Navy Flight Training. G.K. received his wings and was commissioned as Ensign in December. As a fighter pilot he flew with VF 16 from the USS Lexington throughout the first half of the Central Pacific Campaign and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and valor. He later joined VF 89 on the Antietam for a second tour in the Pacific. He was serving on the USS Antietam at the time of the Japanese surrender. Back in the U.S., while stationed as a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas, G.K. was invited to join the Blue Angel aerobatic flight team -- an honor open only to the most accomplished single pilots.
Choosing love over career, G.K. married his soul mate, Theodora Poelma, instead. This year G.K. and Teddy would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. By July of 1950, he was out of service, enrolled In the University of Texas. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, G.K. joined VP 931 at NAS Whidbey and flew P2V type aircraft out of Kodiak on patrol duty. Following that he had several tours of duty in the Naval Air Reserve Training program serving at NAS Floyd Bennett, Brooklyn, N.Y., NAAS Lincoln, Nebraska, NAS Seattle (Sand Point) and the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Arlington Annex where he was promoted to Captain. He remained in the service until October of 1966 when he retired from the 13th Naval District.
After his decorated 26-year military career, G.K. spent the next 29 years as a highly-skilled negotiator for Boeing airplane contracts. Among his many accomplishments, G.K. had the distinction of negotiating the company's first billion dollar contract for the Boeing 767. At retirement in August of 1994, he was Director of Contracts Support at the Boeing Everett Plant. When G.K. wasn't satisfying his insatiable curiosity of world history or recounting tales of the war, he was planning the next family ski trip or fishing expedition to destinations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. This tradition continued well into his 80s.
The ultimate grandpa, he firmly believed that nothing in life is more important than bringing along the next generation. His family, his friends, those he mentored, and those he counseled will miss him always. G.K. was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen, his only daughter, Anne, and grandson, Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife, Theodora Sherman, and sons, Lawrence Sherman (Gail), Mark Sherman (Leigh), Christopher Sherman (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Johanna Sherman-LaRussa (Mike); brother, William T. Sherman (Evelyn); sisters, Mary Louise Stroud (Ned) and Nancy Lee Grant (Norman); cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Lauren, Brianna, Spencer, Corinna, Alan and Jaesha Sherman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life will be held at St. Luke Church, 322 N. 175th St., Shoreline on Wednesday, June 20th at 3:00 p.m., with a Reception to follow. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Avenue North, Seattle 98109 or the St. Luke Youth Ministry, 322 North 175th Street, Shoreline, WA 98133.
G.K. was born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1920. His family moved to Cisco, Texas In 1935. During High School he was all district guard in basketball and was also County Tennis Champion. His interest in tennis continued throughout his life. In 1938 he graduated as Valedictorian from Cisco High. G.K. took over the role of caregiver and father figure at an early age, helping to raise and support his three younger siblings during his teenage years. This selflessness and take-charge attitude would continue to define G.K. throughout his remarkable life.
In April of 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and entered Navy Flight Training. G.K. received his wings and was commissioned as Ensign in December. As a fighter pilot he flew with VF 16 from the USS Lexington throughout the first half of the Central Pacific Campaign and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and valor. He later joined VF 89 on the Antietam for a second tour in the Pacific. He was serving on the USS Antietam at the time of the Japanese surrender. Back in the U.S., while stationed as a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas, G.K. was invited to join the Blue Angel aerobatic flight team -- an honor open only to the most accomplished single pilots.
Choosing love over career, G.K. married his soul mate, Theodora Poelma, instead. This year G.K. and Teddy would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. By July of 1950, he was out of service, enrolled In the University of Texas. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, G.K. joined VP 931 at NAS Whidbey and flew P2V type aircraft out of Kodiak on patrol duty. Following that he had several tours of duty in the Naval Air Reserve Training program serving at NAS Floyd Bennett, Brooklyn, N.Y., NAAS Lincoln, Nebraska, NAS Seattle (Sand Point) and the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Arlington Annex where he was promoted to Captain. He remained in the service until October of 1966 when he retired from the 13th Naval District.
After his decorated 26-year military career, G.K. spent the next 29 years as a highly-skilled negotiator for Boeing airplane contracts. Among his many accomplishments, G.K. had the distinction of negotiating the company's first billion dollar contract for the Boeing 767. At retirement in August of 1994, he was Director of Contracts Support at the Boeing Everett Plant. When G.K. wasn't satisfying his insatiable curiosity of world history or recounting tales of the war, he was planning the next family ski trip or fishing expedition to destinations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. This tradition continued well into his 80s.
The ultimate grandpa, he firmly believed that nothing in life is more important than bringing along the next generation. His family, his friends, those he mentored, and those he counseled will miss him always. G.K. was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen, his only daughter, Anne, and grandson, Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife, Theodora Sherman, and sons, Lawrence Sherman (Gail), Mark Sherman (Leigh), Christopher Sherman (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Johanna Sherman-LaRussa (Mike); brother, William T. Sherman (Evelyn); sisters, Mary Louise Stroud (Ned) and Nancy Lee Grant (Norman); cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Lauren, Brianna, Spencer, Corinna, Alan and Jaesha Sherman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life will be held at St. Luke Church, 322 N. 175th St., Shoreline on Wednesday, June 20th at 3:00 p.m., with a Reception to follow. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Avenue North, Seattle 98109 or the St. Luke Youth Ministry, 322 North 175th Street, Shoreline, WA 98133.
Gordon Keith SHERMAN Passed away May 25th, at the age of eighty-seven, surrounded by family at his Shoreline home. Known affectionately as "G.K.," he was deeply loved by all who had the good fortune to know him.
G.K. was born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1920. His family moved to Cisco, Texas In 1935. During High School he was all district guard in basketball and was also County Tennis Champion. His interest in tennis continued throughout his life. In 1938 he graduated as Valedictorian from Cisco High. G.K. took over the role of caregiver and father figure at an early age, helping to raise and support his three younger siblings during his teenage years. This selflessness and take-charge attitude would continue to define G.K. throughout his remarkable life.
In April of 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and entered Navy Flight Training. G.K. received his wings and was commissioned as Ensign in December. As a fighter pilot he flew with VF 16 from the USS Lexington throughout the first half of the Central Pacific Campaign and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and valor. He later joined VF 89 on the Antietam for a second tour in the Pacific. He was serving on the USS Antietam at the time of the Japanese surrender. Back in the U.S., while stationed as a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas, G.K. was invited to join the Blue Angel aerobatic flight team -- an honor open only to the most accomplished single pilots.
Choosing love over career, G.K. married his soul mate, Theodora Poelma, instead. This year G.K. and Teddy would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. By July of 1950, he was out of service, enrolled In the University of Texas. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, G.K. joined VP 931 at NAS Whidbey and flew P2V type aircraft out of Kodiak on patrol duty. Following that he had several tours of duty in the Naval Air Reserve Training program serving at NAS Floyd Bennett, Brooklyn, N.Y., NAAS Lincoln, Nebraska, NAS Seattle (Sand Point) and the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Arlington Annex where he was promoted to Captain. He remained in the service until October of 1966 when he retired from the 13th Naval District.
After his decorated 26-year military career, G.K. spent the next 29 years as a highly-skilled negotiator for Boeing airplane contracts. Among his many accomplishments, G.K. had the distinction of negotiating the company's first billion dollar contract for the Boeing 767. At retirement in August of 1994, he was Director of Contracts Support at the Boeing Everett Plant. When G.K. wasn't satisfying his insatiable curiosity of world history or recounting tales of the war, he was planning the next family ski trip or fishing expedition to destinations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. This tradition continued well into his 80s.
The ultimate grandpa, he firmly believed that nothing in life is more important than bringing along the next generation. His family, his friends, those he mentored, and those he counseled will miss him always. G.K. was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen, his only daughter, Anne, and grandson, Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife, Theodora Sherman, and sons, Lawrence Sherman (Gail), Mark Sherman (Leigh), Christopher Sherman (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Johanna Sherman-LaRussa (Mike); brother, William T. Sherman (Evelyn); sisters, Mary Louise Stroud (Ned) and Nancy Lee Grant (Norman); cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Lauren, Brianna, Spencer, Corinna, Alan and Jaesha Sherman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life will be held at St. Luke Church, 322 N. 175th St., Shoreline on Wednesday, June 20th at 3:00 p.m., with a Reception to follow. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Avenue North, Seattle 98109 or the St. Luke Youth Ministry, 322 North 175th Street, Shoreline, WA 98133.
G.K. was born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1920. His family moved to Cisco, Texas In 1935. During High School he was all district guard in basketball and was also County Tennis Champion. His interest in tennis continued throughout his life. In 1938 he graduated as Valedictorian from Cisco High. G.K. took over the role of caregiver and father figure at an early age, helping to raise and support his three younger siblings during his teenage years. This selflessness and take-charge attitude would continue to define G.K. throughout his remarkable life.
In April of 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and entered Navy Flight Training. G.K. received his wings and was commissioned as Ensign in December. As a fighter pilot he flew with VF 16 from the USS Lexington throughout the first half of the Central Pacific Campaign and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and valor. He later joined VF 89 on the Antietam for a second tour in the Pacific. He was serving on the USS Antietam at the time of the Japanese surrender. Back in the U.S., while stationed as a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas, G.K. was invited to join the Blue Angel aerobatic flight team -- an honor open only to the most accomplished single pilots.
Choosing love over career, G.K. married his soul mate, Theodora Poelma, instead. This year G.K. and Teddy would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. By July of 1950, he was out of service, enrolled In the University of Texas. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, G.K. joined VP 931 at NAS Whidbey and flew P2V type aircraft out of Kodiak on patrol duty. Following that he had several tours of duty in the Naval Air Reserve Training program serving at NAS Floyd Bennett, Brooklyn, N.Y., NAAS Lincoln, Nebraska, NAS Seattle (Sand Point) and the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Arlington Annex where he was promoted to Captain. He remained in the service until October of 1966 when he retired from the 13th Naval District.
After his decorated 26-year military career, G.K. spent the next 29 years as a highly-skilled negotiator for Boeing airplane contracts. Among his many accomplishments, G.K. had the distinction of negotiating the company's first billion dollar contract for the Boeing 767. At retirement in August of 1994, he was Director of Contracts Support at the Boeing Everett Plant. When G.K. wasn't satisfying his insatiable curiosity of world history or recounting tales of the war, he was planning the next family ski trip or fishing expedition to destinations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. This tradition continued well into his 80s.
The ultimate grandpa, he firmly believed that nothing in life is more important than bringing along the next generation. His family, his friends, those he mentored, and those he counseled will miss him always. G.K. was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen, his only daughter, Anne, and grandson, Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife, Theodora Sherman, and sons, Lawrence Sherman (Gail), Mark Sherman (Leigh), Christopher Sherman (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Johanna Sherman-LaRussa (Mike); brother, William T. Sherman (Evelyn); sisters, Mary Louise Stroud (Ned) and Nancy Lee Grant (Norman); cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Lauren, Brianna, Spencer, Corinna, Alan and Jaesha Sherman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life will be held at St. Luke Church, 322 N. 175th St., Shoreline on Wednesday, June 20th at 3:00 p.m., with a Reception to follow. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Avenue North, Seattle 98109 or the St. Luke Youth Ministry, 322 North 175th Street, Shoreline, WA 98133.
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