Donald Ray Sherman

Donald R. Sherman, 92, was welcomed home by the Lord on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when he passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife and daughters. Born in Lansing, Michigan on August 3, 1933, Don was the loving son of William T. (Shorty) Sherman and Marguerite A. Rose Sherman. The family moved to Kalkaska, Michigan in 1943 where Don enjoyed swimming, fishing, and hunting. He became catcher on the Kalkaska Blazer Baseball team, graduating from Kalkaska High School in 1951. Don served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Staff Sargent and Radio Operator in Colorado Springs, Colorado from 1953-1955. In 1953 Don married the love of his life, Beatrice L. Hager Sherman on June 5, 1953, in Junction City, Kansas. Upon completion of his service, Don and Bea came back to Kalkaska where he became a leading member of the community. Throughout the years Don was a member of the Rotary Club, where he served as Club President, the Kalkaska County Industrial Development Corporation, the Kalkaska Chamber of Commerce, where he was awarded “Citizen of the Year” with his wife Bea. Along with being an active member of the Kalkaska Church of Christ and the Sebring Christian Church where he served as an Elder and leader for a combined total of 50 years, Don served on the Foundation Board at Northwestern Michigan College. He was also active at Great Lakes Christian College where he served as Trustee and Board President for a total of 20 years. Don worked at Wayne Wire Cloth Products in Kalkaska as a Quality Control Manager, where he retired after 49 years. As well as being an avid outdoorsman Don was an avid golfer, having the pleasure of playing at many renowned golf courses around the U.S. He also sang in a Men’s Gospel Quartet, starting in the 6th grade, making music with the same members for 80 years. In addition to his parents Don was preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law Claire and Thomas Hager and by his son-in-law, Charles R. Sole. Along with his wife, Don is survived by his daughters Jennie M. (Tom) Bender of Grayson, Kentucky and Melissa C. Sole of Traverse City, MI; grandchildren Donald L. (Keila) Bender of Lexington, KY, Rebecca L. Bender of Grayson, KY, Charlie S. (Katy) Sole of South Boardman, MI, and Emily M. Sole (Franklin) Alls of Tampa, FL; and great-grandchildren Kaitlynn M. (Camren) Staton and Jakob A. Bender of Lexington, KY, Jayden C. Alls of Tampa, FL, and Charlie R. and Olivia A. Sole of South Boardman, MI. Don also leaves behind numerous extended family, friends, colleagues, and church family who mourn his passing. A funeral service will be held at the Kalkaska Church of Christ on Friday, October 24 at 11:00am, with visitation at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Great Lakes Christian College, https://www.glcc.edu/give/ General Fund in memory of Donald R. Sherman. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Donald Ray Sherman

August 3, 1933 - October 18, 2025