Dennis Martin Sherman

Dennis “Denny” Martin Sherman, born November 26, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Hubert and Dona Sherman, lived a life defined by passion, perseverance, and an enduring love of aviation. From a very young age, he showed a fascination with airplanes. As a boy playing in the yard, whenever a plane flew overhead, he would excitedly shout, “Come and give me a ride!”—a dream he would spend the rest of his life fulfilling.

Denny attended Catholic grade school and Central Catholic High School and completed one year of college. A natural entrepreneur from the start, as a child he began building model airplane kits and selling them, becoming a dealer for a model airplane company by the age of 10. He also had a paper route. From ages 13 to 19, he worked washing and waxing cars, carefully saving every dollar to secretly take flying lessons without his parents’ knowledge. His determination paid off—he soloed at age 16 and purchased his first airplane at just 17.

At 19, during the Korean War, Denny enlisted in the Air National Guard and was stationed in Sioux City, Iowa. He flew his own airplane to the base and was allowed to park it in the Air Guard hangar with the military aircraft.

After the war ended in 1953, Denny returned to Fort Wayne, where he worked in his uncle’s construction and demolition business. That same year, he met the love of his life, Sharon. Their love story would span over 70 remarkable years. Denny often told her, “You’re a pretty woman,” and with a playful smile would add, “You’re one lucky woman!” They married in 1955 and a year later Denny transitioned into automobile sales. By 1962 they had welcomed four children.

In 1959, Denny founded Sherman Aircraft Sales. Seeking relief from Indiana’s harsh winters, in 1967 he and Sharon moved their family to North Palm Beach, Florida where he opened a second Sherman Aircraft Sales office at Palm Beach International Airport. Over the years, he built a respected business, selling everything from single- and twin-engine aircraft to turboprops, jets, and he specialized in World War II aircraft.

Denny’s lifelong passion for aviation shaped both his career and his family’s life. Around 1963, he began racing airplanes and helped sponsor the Fort Wayne Air Races. In 1964, he attended his first Reno Air Race, where his plane went on to win in both 1964 and 1965.

Aviation became the heartbeat of the Sherman family. Denny brought his children to the airport from an early age, instilling in them a deep love of flying. His children—Scott, Denise, Kent, and Terry—each soloed on their 16th birthdays, a tradition that reflected his passion and pride. That love extended into the next generation, with many of his grandchildren pursuing careers in aviation and the airline industry.

Denny never met a stranger and had friends from all walks of life. His warmth, humor, and enthusiasm drew people to him instantly. He had an extraordinary memory, recalling every airplane he sold, the people he sold them to, and even the details of each transaction. He lived life fully, with energy, joy, and purpose, and passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Dona Sherman; his sisters, Patricia Woehnker (Butch) and Marilyn Steckbeck (Steve); and his son, Scott Sherman.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his children, Jeanie Hoover (David), Denise Tiller (Tripp), Kent Sherman (Patty), and Terrence Sherman (Ivonne); his grandchildren, Kelley Oldham (Chad), Lindsay Hoover (John), Adam Hoover (Karen), Remick Spencer (Christopher), Clint Tiller (Kara), Therese Tiller, Travis Sherman (Haley), Derek Sherman (Sacha), Terrence Sherman Jr. (Rosie), Rachel Holloway (Blake), and Steven Sherman (Camila); and his great-grandchildren, Olivia, Hadley and Gemma Oldham, Max Hoover Zygmontowicz, Jackson and Camden Hoover, Cole and Chase Spencer, Lorelai Holloway, Isabella Sherman, and Samson Sherman.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asked that you make a donation in Denny's name to the EAA Young Eagles. Please visit www.eaa.org to make a contribution in his honor .

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10am, a Funeral Mass will be held at

St. Clare Catholic Church

821 Prosperity Farms Rd.

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Followed by a graveside committal service at

Riverside Cemetery

19351 SE County Line Rd.

Tequesta, FL 33469

Reception from 1pm-4pm at

DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana

635 U.S. Highway 1

North Palm Beach, FL 33408