William Sherman

William T. (Bill) Sherman slipped his earthly ties and passed gently into the arms of his waiting Savior on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 28, 1925, to Louise Ida Behrbaum and Keith Edward Sherman. He is preceded in death by both parents and brother, Gorden K. Sherman.

Arriving in Texas at an early age, Bill became a true son of the Lone Star State. After graduating from Cisco High School in 1943, he enrolled at Texas A&M University where he was a proud member of the Corps. Bill volunteered for the Army Air Corps while still a freshman at A&M and upon turning 18 was inducted into his country's service in January, 1944. Taking his basic training in Texas, he was sent to Officers' Training School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Bill was awarded his wings and received his commission at Selman Field in Louisiana, serving his country until the end of the war.

Following WWII, Bill returned to Texas and enrolled at the University of Texas, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. He was a lifetime member of the Texas Exes Organization and an avid supporter of all things Orange. Upon graduation, Bill was immediately employed in the Oil and Gas industry where, with great enthusiasm, he spent the remainder of his working life.

Bill was a proud and participating member of many professional industry organizations: Houston Geological Society, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Houston and Austin Landman's Association, The Highland Lakes Energy Group, SIPES, Houston and Austin Crude Clubs. He served with distinction on the boards of several.

Bill was co-founder and co-chairman of the World Oilman's Tennis Tournament, played annually at the Houston Racquet Club. A lifelong athlete, proficient in both golf and tennis, Bill enjoyed all sports and outdoor activities well into his eighties, playing his last tournament event at the age of 83.

He is survived by his devoted wife Evelyn and their five children: daughter Bethina S. McCool and husband Joseph, daughter April S. McCreight, daughter Christine S. Shortt and husband Dennis, son Myles G. Sherman and wife Terrell and son John A. (Jack) Stoker and wife Anne. Survived also by sisters Mary Louise Stroud of Austin, Nancy L. Grant of Seattle, sister-in-law Theodora Sherman of Seattle, half-brother Jory Sherman of Belton, Texas, half-sister Kay Bell of Los Angeles, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by sisters-in-law Patricia L. Mainous of Memphis and Cynthia L. Coffman of Houston, and brother-in-law Warren K. Layne and wife Vicki of Houston.

Bill took great delight in being "Pops" to 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and considered himself blessed indeed to have been able to participate in activities with all of them.

Bill's ready smile, open warmth, quick wit and easy laughter will be sorely missed but forever remembered by the many who knew and loved him. A private memorial service is planned for the family.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to New Century Hospice, as well as Nancy Luongo of Our House of Central Texas and to each and every caregiver who ministered to Bill in his final weeks of life.

For those wishing to remember Bill, the family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
New Century Hospice
Our House of Central Texas
Wounded Warriors
Austin Christian Fellowship
Heartline Ministries
Campus Crusades for Christ (W.D. Culwell)
University of Texas Alumni Association