Sherman Aretas Boone

Sherman Aretas Boone, 84, was born on November 2, 1941, in Modesto, California, to Dr. Aretas and Edna Boone. He passed peacefully from this life into the arms of Jesus on January 10, 2026.

Sherman was the firstborn and proud big brother to five siblings. His childhood was marked by frequent moves as his father pursued a medical degree, along with the hard work required to help support the family through wheat harvests. Sherman especially treasured the time spent working alongside his cousins during those harvest seasons.

In December 1957, Sherman was involved in a serious automobile accident while traveling to a Young Folks Christmas caroling event. Following a long recovery, he received Christ as his Savior and was baptized into the Old German Baptist Church on May 4, 1958. He remained a faithful member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, New Conference, for the rest of his life.

Sherman graduated from Downey High School in June 1959. During his senior year, his artistic talent was recognized when one of his drawings was selected for the cover of the Modesto Symphony Season program, earning him a $25 U.S. Savings Bond. Throughout his life, he continued to use his creativity to design and build projects for the farm, their home, and for his daughters.

After high school, Sherman served in Civilian Public Service in Southern California. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Arlene Hyre, at the Indiana Annual Meeting on his uncle Donald Brubaker's farm. They were married on July 18, 1964, and in April 1965 settled in Denair, California, where they raised four daughters. In July 2025, they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Sherman was an innovative and versatile farmer, working with peaches, walnuts, chickens, almonds, custom farming, and harvesting. Later, he obtained his real estate license, combining his love for farming and people by helping others buy and sell property.

He served with numerous community organization, including the Denair Fire Department, Modesto Christian School Board, and RCSD Board, among others that strengthened the local community. Sherman believed deeply in the value of community and was actively involved in his church. He especially cherished Family Camp, where his family enjoyed summers filled with skits, activities, and treasured memories.

Sherman was well known for his love of hosting-hayrides, roller skating in the barn, and pit barbecues were among the favorites. While not a gifted singer, he loved music and attending church singings. He was known for his generous spirit, kind smile, and mischievous sense of humor. Sherman enjoyed a good prank and was always willing to be the butt of the joke. He often said it took a special man to be a "girl dad," a statement his daughters wholeheartedly affirm.

Sherman's legacy is one of faith, family, and community. He will be remembered for his storytelling, his laughter, and his steadfast love for those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Boone; his children Brian and Brenda Miller, Beth, Gary and Becky Austin, and Doug and Betsy Cockrell; six grandchildren, Grant Miller, Avery (Julianne) Austin, Allie (Nate) Case, Audrey Cockrell, Kirstin Cockrell, and Taylor Cockrell; and five great-grandchildren, Emmie Austin, Levi Austin, Laney Austin, Bodie Austin, and Boone Case. He is also survived by his siblings Sharon Lavy, Marilyn (Marion) Rogers, Danielle (Sam) Wray, and Gordon Boone; his sister-in-law Myra Coleman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Pat Helmuth; his brothers-in-law Dean Landes, Harley Helmuth, and Gary Lavy; his sisters-in-law Tamera Boone and Marlene Boone; his wife Arlene's parents; brothers-in-law Jerry Hyre, Kent Dickey, and Bill Coleman; and his great-nephew Jacob Reeder.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brethren Heritage School or Valley Children's Hospital, Merced, California, (https://give.valleychildrens.org/give/680316), in memory of Sherman Boone.

A funeral service will be held on January 19 at the Old German Baptist Brethren Church–New Conference on Rumble Road in Modesto, with a viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Wood Colony Cemetery on Dakota Avenue in Modesto.

For the Testimony:

Funeral services were held at the Modesto District Church of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church–New Conference in Modesto, California, with John Fall officiating. Burial followed at Wood Colony Cemetery, with Sam Wray officiating. A viewing was held one hour prior to the service at the church.