Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Veteran Section of Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton SD with Military Rites by the Otto-Quande Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342.  The Cahill Funeral Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Tom was born on November 21, 1934, in Montgomery, West Virginia, to Harry and Margaret (Lowe) Sherman. He attended the Millersburg Military Institute in Millersburg, Kentucky, from the sixth grade through high school. Upon graduation, Tom entered the United States Air Force on September 16, 1954. During his military service, he earned the following awards and decorations: Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, USAF Non Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

During his military career, Tom was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota; Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico; Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota; McCoy Air Force Base, Florida; Nakhon Phanom Air Force Base Thailand, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. He retired from active duty on July 31, 1977, at the rank of Master Sergeant after serving 22 years, 10 months, and 15 days.

While stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Tom met Donna Ruckdaschel, and they were married on Armistice Day, November 11, 1956. Their union blessed them with three daughters. After retiring from the Air Force, Tom and Donna moved to Sisseton and purchased the Tastee-Freez Drive-In Restaurant. Together, they operated the Tastee-Freez from 1978 to 1988. Tom also worked for the City of Sisseton as the liquor store manager from 1988 to May 2007.

As a young adult, Tom was an avid SCUBA diver and hunter. He was a member of Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post 50 and was the commander for the term 1991-1992. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Tom was an active life member of the Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342 and served as post commander for several terms. Tom truly loved the VFW. He held numerous offices at the local, district, and state levels. He was involved with the VFW Teener baseball league for many years. He had the honor of being elected South Dakota VFW State Commander for the 1996-1997 term . Tom always kept the books and membership roll for the VFW on the computer. He was the man who knew computers. Tom loved computers, photography, camping, and fishing. He also enjoyed auto mechanics, watch repair, and small appliance repair. Most of all, he loved hosting the Ruckdaschel family reunion in July.

Tom is survived by his wife, Donna, of Sisseton, South Dakota; three daughters, Sandra Sherman-Bell of Meridian, Idaho, Cheryl Sherman-EauClaire  of Boise, Idaho, and Paula Sherman-Lipko (Bill) of Macon, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Hillary, Tiffany, Karoline, Brandon, Mitchell, Aleksandr, and Kyle; as well as many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Roy and Dee; a sister, Fydelis; his brothers-in-laws, Bob, Ray, and Ron; and his sisters-in-law, Jo, Chilla, Joyce, and Barbara. Tom loved his family and friends. He believed in making great memories. He will always be in ours.

"Boy did we have fun"