H. Daniel (Dan) Sherman was born June 15, 1938, in Westerly, Rhode Island, to Florence Locke-Sherman and H. Daniel Sherman, Sr. On the evening of March 13, 2020, Pastor Dan was called home to be with his Lord. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Sheila, and two devoted daughters, Leah Pierce (Dino) of Sarasota, FL, and Alexandra Hunt (James) of Lehigh Acres, FL.
Pastor Dan leaves behind five grandchildren, Clifford Pierce (Meghan), Orlando, FL, and Gage, Cierra, Eric and Sophia Hunt, Lehigh Acres, FL. He is survived by numerous brothers and sisters along with nieces and nephews — mostly residing in New England. He was preceded in death by his son Eric.
An outstanding high school and college athlete, Dan signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1958. A short time later God granted Dan saving faith and he gave his heart to Jesus, confessing him as Lord of his life.
Sensing the call of God to ministry, Dan and his wife relocated to Chattanooga, TN, to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Tennessee Temple University (TTU). Student body president in his senior year, Dan graduated in 1967.
After graduation, God opened up opportunities for a variety of short-term ministries in Rhode Island, Ohio and as interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Titusville, FL. Realizing the need for additional ministerial training Dan moved his small family back to Chattanooga to engage in seminary studies at TTU. Because of his athletic skills and experience, Dan was enlisted to serve as the assistant basketball coach and head baseball coach for TTU.
After ten years serving at TTU, Dan accepted a call to be the pastor at Pentucket Baptist Church, Atkinson, NH. While at Pentucket, he started a youth and children’s day camp in honor of his son Eric who passed away suddenly at age six.
In 1991, Dan moved his family to Florida to pastor at Crossroads Baptist Church, which later merged with Eastside Baptist Church, Punta Gorda. After serving a number of years in that context, he engaged in a variety of ministries, which included pastoring as well as chaplain for Hope Hospice. Dan also enjoyed eight years serving as volunteer chaplain with the Texas Rangers, Port Charlotte.
Hurricane Charley hit the Sherman house very hard in the fall of 2004. With the loss of the family home Dan and his wife moved to Sarasota, FL, where he served at Tatum Ridge Baptist Church (5 years) and New Beginnings Baptist Church (11 years).
Pastor Dan served his Lord and Savior well up to the very end. He preached his last message two weeks prior to being called home to heaven. He is reunited with his beloved sons, dad, and most importantly, is in the presence of his Savior whom he adored.
The thing Dan would most want you to know is the good news that through faith in Jesus alone you may find forgiveness and eternal life with God. The best way to honor Dan’s memory would be for you to confess Jesus as Lord.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for June 16, 2020, at 11 AM. The service will be held at Caloosa Baptist Church, 550 W. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, FL 33935. Flowers may be sent to the church, or, if desired, financial gifts may be given in memory of Dan for the Welcome Center project at Caloosa Baptist Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Sherman family.
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