Sherman F. Rawding

Mr. Sherman F. Rawding, Sr. of Lynn, age 80, died Sunday, July 29, 2012, peacefully at home. He was the beloved husband of the late Virginia F. (Williams) Rawding with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He was also the loving fiancé of Teresa Smith of Melrose.

He was born in Swampscott, MA to the late Clarence and Alvina (Sanderson) Rawding and graduated from Swampscott High School, Class of 1949. Sherman served his country honorably during the Korean War with the United States Marine Corps and was privileged to guard the Vice Admiral on the USS Missouri. Sherman was passionate about football, having played for both Swampscott High School and the United States Marine Corps. He loved to tell stories colored by the events of those days.

Sherman developed a love for God. He had a great desire to know His ways and had a Gift with prayer. He attended East Baptist Church of Lynn and The Shepherds House in Woburn.

He was a skilled bowler, at which he made many friends. He studied art at Boston University. His creations are precious, as he loved to tell stories with his drawings. He was a patient listener, had a smirk and laughing eyes when he was kidding you. He was generous, faithfully supporting religious and orphanage missions. He was a dedicated family man, a loving husband and wonderful father. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving fiancé, Sherman is survived by his beloved children, Sherman Rawding, Jr. and wife Lynette of Tewksbury, Arthur Rawding and wife Inga of Latvia, Richard Rawding and wife Ann of Peabody, and Ruth Protz and husband Todd of Lynn. He adored his grandchildren, Jilisa, Arielle, Garrick, Krista, James, Andrew and Gwen. He loved to spend time with his various nieces and nephews, especially Nancy and Sharon. His wife, Virginia, his daughter, Joanne and his brothers, Clarence and Richard, predeceased Sherman.

Mr. Rawding’s Funeral will be held in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Monday at 11AM with burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Sunday from 2-6 PM.

Mr. Rawding was a very generous donator to charitable organizations. For those desiring to honor his memory in that same fashion, memorial donations may be made to Orphan’s Promise at www.orphanspromise.org.