Richard G. Sherman

HERMAN Richard Garrett Sherman, 89, longtime south suburban resident, passed away March 8, 2009. Beloved husband of Louise French Sherman; loving father of Lucy (Tom) Sherman Elliott; cherished grandfather of Thomas Richard Elliott and Matthew Sherman Elliott. Richard was born March 19, 1919 in Sioux City, IA. As an infant, his family moved to Yankton, SD. He attended public schools there and graduated from Yankton College in 1941. On June 19, 1942, Richard entered the Army Air Force where he served as an Intelligence Specialist in the 345th Fighter Squadron of the 350th Fighter Group and served in North Africa, Sardinia-Corsica, Southern France, Sicily and Italy during World War II and received the rank of Sergeant. Following WWII, Richard received his M.S. and Ph.D from the University of Iowa. He taught as a professor of American History and Philosophy at Prairie State College and served as Interim President. He was a lifetime member of both the American Historical Association and the Valley of Yankton, South Dakota Masonry. Richard was also the editor of the Grace United Protestant Church articles for the Park Forest Star. A loving family man, Richard enjoyed spending time with his wife and grandsons. As an avid Chicago sports historian, he was a passionate fan of his local teams, and enjoyed CSO concerts and the Lyric Opera in his spare time. A Celebration of Life in Richard's honor will be held Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 11 a.m., Grace United Protestant Church, 266 Somonauk St., Park Forest, IL 60466. Donations in his name may be made to his church above, or to the American Cancer Society, Chicago Chapter, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1210, Chicago, IL 60601. Cremation Society of Illinois handling arrangements. 708-747-7820.