Fred Allen Sherman

Fred Allen (Baldy) Sherman was born March 22, 1933 in Plainsfall, WS. At a very young age his family moved to Riverbank, CA. He spent his youth playing basketball and participating in local rodeos. He attended grammar school at Cardoza in Riverbank and went on to Oakdale High School. Fred started working at a young age shining shoes at a tavern where his mother ran the restaurant and his father ran the card room. Fred later went to work at the Contadina Cannery as many living in Riverbank did. After a few years at Contadina Fred joined the United States Air Force with basic training in San Antonio, TX and much time spent in England. After receiving an honorable discharge Fred returned to work at Contadina in Riverbank, CA. Fred married Roberta Harper and started his career with the AT& Santa Fe railroad where he worked until his retirement in 1995. They had 3 children Robert, Carol and Janet Sherman. After their divorce Fred relocated to Fresno, Concord and back to Modesto. Fred married 3 more times. In 1988 he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Miller. They had a wonderful life together until Norma's passing in 2021. After retiring from Santa Fe Railroad in 1995 Fred and Norma lived a very active social life. They traveled yearly to Norma's family reunions throughout the United States which was a treat to meet up with her very large extended family. They also met up with Fred's family attending Rodeo's and the Calvary Stampede in Canada. Rodeo always stayed in Fred's blood. Fred also became a member of the Sir men's organization where he took part in monthly luncheons and golfing events. He kept his old friends and continued to make new ones. Every Tuesday was spent having breakfast with his 5 buddies at Perko's in Modesto. He was also an avid bowler receiving many 300 pins, trophies, and other awards from McHenry Bowling Alley where he spent many years. At the age of 92 Fred bowled twice a week with 2 seperate veteran teams. After falling and breaking his femur in May 25 Fred never fully recovered and no longer bowled and was moved to assisted living at Oak Valley in Oakdale, CA.

Fred loved music and dancing. His favorite singer was Jerry Lewis. He often told the story of attending a Jerry Lee Lewis concert at the Palomino Club in North Hollywood and getting to sit next to the stage and meeting Jerry Lee.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma Jean Sherman, daughter Carol Sherman, sister Beverly Ann Green, brother in law Paul Green, and half brother Wayne Sherman.

He is survived by his children Robert Allen Sherman, daughter Janet Sherman William, step son Frank Runyan, stepdaughter Suzi Kosta, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Two nieces and two nephews. He will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers the family asks if you prefer to donate to Community Hospice Modesto, 4363 Spyers Way Modesto in honor of Fred Sherman.