Robert Sherman Pearsall Jr.

1940 - 2015

Robert Sherman ""Sherm"" Pearsall, Jr., 74, of Thurmont, Maryland, passed away on Thursday April 23, 2015 at Frederick Memorial Hospital with his loving family at his side. Born on June 17, 1940, in Endicott, New York, he was the son of the late Robert S. and Marceline I. (Arnihac) Pearsall.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly A. Pearsall; two sons, Robert S. Pearsall, III and wife Alyce of Baltimore, MD and Steven T. Pearsall and wife Heather of Frederick, MD; three grandchildren: Rylee, Leila and Logan.

He is preceded in death by his infant son, Mark Allan Pearsall and his sister, Suzanne Bunzey.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Sherm enlisted in the U.S. Army as a career officer, serving our country for more than twenty years. He was last stationed at Fort Detrick, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Afterwards, Sherm worked for both the DynPort Vaccine, and the CSC Companies of Frederick, as a Senior Contracts Administrator, which he retired from at the age of 73.

Sherm resided on a small farm, nestled alongside the Catoctin Mountains where he carefully attended to the needs of the animals. He held a close spot in his heart for all the 'critters', but most dear to him was his pet Chihuahua, 'Chi', who still looks for him in his favorite chair.

Sherm was an honest and straightforward individual. He had a passion to help others, especially the youth of our community, with achieving their goals. He was extremely involved with the Boy Scouts of America, as a lifelong scout himself, then as a Scoutmaster/Advisor. Sherm spent numerous hours and weekends promoting community participation, while teaching essential values to our youth; such as the significance of family values, helping others, finishing what you start, leave any place you visit better than when you found it, and above all, always be prepared. He defined what it meant to be a leader. As a mentor, young people followed his example and were guided by his influence.

Sherm was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Tuscarora Gun Club in Point of Rocks, MD where he enjoyed spending time trap shooting.

The family wishes to thank the Doctors and Nurses of Frederick Memorial Hospital's 3G and 2C units for their compassionate care.

There will be a memorial service starting at 2:00pm at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike Frederick MD on Sunday May 3rd. The family will receive friends until 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, PO Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702 or www.hospiceoffrederick.org Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com