Thomas Edward Sherman

Thomas Edward Sherman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 79. A resident of White Lake, Thomas was born on February 10, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, to Charles and Phyllis Sherman.

Thomas's life was a testament to his passion for flying, a career that spanned over fifty years. He was very honored to receive the Wright Brothers' Master Pilot Award from the FAA. This award is considered the highest honor for pilots in the US signifying a lifelong commitment to aviation safety and excellence. He was a friend and mentor to so many.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Thomas was known for his sharp wit, sarcasm, and infectious sense of humor. His ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on everyone he met, as he effortlessly befriended strangers and made them feel at ease. He possessed a kindness that radiated from him, making him a cherished presence in the lives of many.

He believed in doing an act of kindness every day, whether buying someone’s lunch anonymously, helping with a project or just making someone smile or laugh. A favorite hobby of his was time spent on the water and indulging his love of fishing. Much laughter and great memories were shared on his various boats. Most important to him however, was his family and the time he spent with them. He never failed to let them know how much they were loved and cherished.

Thomas is survived by his devoted wife, Wendy Sherman; their daughter, Valerie (Ivan) Olmsted; and their cherished grandson, Alex Olmsted. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins who will carry on his legacy of kindness and humor. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Matthew Sherman, and his brother, Charles "Chuck" Sherman, along with his parents, Charles and Phyllis Sherman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of choice.

Family and friends are invited to gather and share their memories during the memorial gathering on February 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Elton Black and Son Funeral Home Union Lake Chapel, located at 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake, MI 48386. A memorial service to celebrate Thomas's life will follow at 3:00 PM.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and he will be dearly missed.