Tom Sherman

Throughout a journey that spanned times of plenty and times of want, times of war and peace, Thomas Sherman always held his loved ones close. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others in any way he could. Nothing brought Tom greater joy than surrounding himself with his friends and family. Though he could be a curmudgeon at times, he could also strike up a conversation or crack a joke with just about anyone. Deeply loved, Tom will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The late 1940s were an exciting time to be an American. Following the end of WWII a short time before, countless servicemen were reunited with their families. As we started to heal as a country and a world, the economy was flourishing and the baby boom was underway. During this influential time, Warren and Margaret (McKee) Sherman of Paw Paw, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby. On September 21, 1946, they brought their son, Thomas, into the world.

Growing up, Tom was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home alongside his two sisters, Marilynn and Martha, and his brother, Donald. Throughout his life, Tom remained close with a tight-knit group of friends from kindergarten. The bunch were often known to get into mischief when they were younger, like climbing water towers. Tom attended local schools, then went on to pursue further education at Michigan State University, earning his bachelor’s degree.

All who knew Tom would certainly agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He met and married Kay, and together, the two welcomed their two children, Cari and Tim, into their hearts and home. Later in life, Tom was delighted to become a grandfather to Trevor, Courtney, and Lilly.

Tom considered himself fortunate to once again find love with Jill Brindley. The two both lived on Pleasant Lake in Three Rivers, Michigan, and they would connect their pontoon boats in the summer with other neighbors. Jill invited Tom to dinner one night. Over time, Tom’s sense of humor won her over and their attraction to each other kept growing stronger. Tom and Jill were married on January 2, 2010, stepping into 15 wonderful years as husband and wife.

Never one to shy away from hard work, Tom built a successful career that he could be proud of. He was the Vice President of Marketing at MI Gas, which later became Semco. Tom’s work sometimes called him to Washington DC. A big part of his job was testifying on the new rate changes. Although the government committees made him nervous, he always made it through. Tom truly enjoyed his work, and it allowed him to provide for himself and those who depended on him.

To stay busy in his free time, Tom loved planting flowers. He created a terrace outside the picture window in his home to show off his favorite plantings. Tom enjoyed watching game shows and sports on TV, and he was an avid golfer as long as his health permitted. His brother-in-law worked for the Miami Dolphins, so Tom and Jill were able to enjoy trips to their practice facility and games. On one of these trips, they bought a Dan Marino jersey. Years later, Marino himself would autograph it!

Many blissful weekends were spent on the pontoon boat, soaking up the sun and the company of neighbors. Tom and Jill enjoyed traveling the country together. They took many cruises to Hawaii and Alaska, and Yellowstone and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, were some of their favorite places to visit. They also loved escaping to their home in Florida, where they would lay by the pool, explore the area, and catch up with friends. Their precious dog, Charlie, was the best travel companion. No matter where he went, Tom could always find someone to talk to (including Charlie).

When reflecting on the rich life of Thomas Sherman, it is easy to see that he understood the secret to making the most of every moment. He was a shining example of kindness and generosity. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Tom always made sure his loved ones knew just how much they were treasured. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by everyone around him, and he was a blessing in the lives of all those who knew him. Though he will be dearly missed, Tom leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Thomas Sherman of Lawton, age 78, died on April 10, 2025. Tom was born September 21, 1946 in Paw Paw to Warren and Margaret (McKee) Sherman. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Kay. Surviving are his wife, Jill Brindley; children: Cari (Jason) Haag and Tim Sherman; grandchildren: Trevor, Courtney, and Lilly; siblings: Marilynn (Ron) Labadie, Martha (Jerry) Labadie, and Donald Sherman; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, April 26, at 12 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870. A reception will follow where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Tom’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Buren Youth Camp.