Curtis Patrick "Pete" Sherman

Curtis Patrick “Pete” Sherman, 89, of Abilene, passed away Sunday, January 05, 2014 at Windcrest Alzheimer Care Center. He was born July 18, 1924 in Girard, Kent, Texas to Curtis Raymond Sherman and Stella Hollingshead Sherman. He moved to Abilene in the early 1930’s when he and his brother Raymond rode horse back on a cattle drive. His dad and uncle drove covered wagons with the furniture and household goods. It took 2 days and nights. He attended first grade in Girard then attended schools at Potosi and Wylie.

Curtis was in the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. He served in Scotland, Normandy, France, Germany and England. He was in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned home on the Wartime Transport Ship the USS Mariposa. He married Mary Wyvonne “Bonnie” Whitley Shrum on March 2, 1946 in Callahan Co., Texas. During their marriage they lived a short time in California, then moved to Big Spring, Texas in the 50’s, then back to Abilene in the late 60’s.

He owned and operated Sherman Builders for over 50 years. Among many things he helped build Abilene Reporter News and Abilene Regional Airport. He was a long time member and a Deacon at Wylie Baptist Church. He helped build the original Living Christmas Tree that is still performed there every December. He and Bonnie were members of the Good Sams Sundowners for 25 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing games, watching his grandchildren play ball games, and the Dallas Cowboys. Also enjoyed riding around the property in his golf cart, watching old westerns and reading Louis L’Amour books. He always had a book beside his chair. He loved his family and Bonnie was the love of his life.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Raymond Sherman and Joe Sherman; sisters, Edna Lee Templeton, Bertie Buna “Boots” Ward, Dottie Marie Newton, and Nita Laverne Rogers.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Wyvonne “Bonnie” Sherman of Abilene; daughter, Jeanne Schroeder and husband, Gayle of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; son, Dale Sherman of Abilene; son, Brad Sherman and wife, Julie of Abilene; his grandchildren, Vince Schroeder, of Osseo, Wisconsin, Lynn Perez and husband, Kenneth of Farmington, Minnesota, Ryan Schroeder and Sandi of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Jana Schroeder of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Cassie Walden and husband, Austin of Wolfforth, Texas, Bryan Sherman and Brooke Sherman of Abilene; ten great-grandchildren, Ciera Schroeder, Christian Schroeder, Steven Fanene, Gabriel Schroeder, Kieran Schroeder, T.J. Fanene, Madison Schroeder, Devon Schroeder, Makenzie Schroeder, and Drew Schroeder; two sisters, Willie Mae Carothers of Waco, Texas, and Mary Sue Fincannon of Paradise, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Wylie Baptist Church on Buffalo Gap Road, with Pastor Donny Harbers officiating. A viewing will be held from 1:00pm-1:45pm prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Kendrick Cemetery in Denton Valley under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.

Pallbearers; Jerry Don Templeton, Jim Twomey, Mike Ward, Tommy Ward, Kelly Sherman, and Danny Williams. Honorary pallbearers; Vince Schroeder, Ryan Schroeder, Bryan Sherman, and Austin Walden.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. James Wray and to the Windcrest Alzheimer Care staff.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wylie Baptist Church building fund or Windcrest Alzheimer Care Center.