Robert M. Sherman, Jr.

Robert Miller Sherman, Jr., aged 90, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023 at his home in Waco, Texas.

Bob was born on February 21, 1932 to Robert M. Sherman, Sr. and Floy Allen Sherman in Waco. He was a proud 5th generation Wacoan and 7th generation Texan.

He attended Waco High School, where he excelled in track and football and helped Waco High win a state championship in football in 1948. He graduated in 1950 and played football at Texas A&M before transferring to West Point.

At West Point, Bob was accomplished academically and a good natured, natural leader; he was elected one of 16 company commanders. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received his diploma from President Eisenhower in 1955.

From West Point, Bob joined the Air Force, stationed in Laredo, Texas. He flew jets and trained airmen how to fly. He enjoyed his years in Laredo. There, he met Florence Haag, whom he married in 1957, and they welcomed daughter Katherine (Katy) in 1958.

Bob was honorably discharged from Air Force and then received his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M. At A&M in the late 1950s, he taught in the math department and conducted research on the use of computers to simulate and conduct thermal stress analysis on metals and plastics to estimate heat transfer ratios, stress and fatigue.

After graduation, Bob joined Texas Instruments’ defense division in Dallas, where he worked as an engineer on the Nike-Zeus program, an intercontinental missile defense system (precursor to Star Wars under President Reagan), and the Shrike missile (first air to surface missile designed to destroy enemy radar installations and extensively used by the US from Vietnam in 1960s to Desert Storm in 1990s). In Dallas, Bob and Flo had two sons (Robert and Haag) before deciding to move to Waco, where they had daughter (Nelwyn) in 1967.

In Waco, Bob ultimately decided to start his own business – The Farm House, a needlepoint and furniture shop. He worked as a small businessman for the rest of his life and integrated his passion for collecting into his business. He collected and became an expert on European shotguns, antique Chinese and Japanese (samurai swords) collectibles and vintage radios. He made numerous friends who shared his passion in these areas.

In his hometown, Bob happily raised his family of four children and had a variety of interests. He loved hunting and shooting and frequently took his family to the Waco Gun Club, camping and on driving vacations across the US and even Mexico. He enjoyed exercising and was an avid runner and cyclist well before those crazes hit the US. He would take his oldest son (Robert) on long cycling trips and ride his bike to work daily, a hilly 15-mile round trip.

Bob married Jeanine Johnson Sherman in 1981 and was always a fixture at every one of his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He attended countless swim practices and meets, football and basketball games, plays and other events. He was always measured and easy-going, offering praise and encouragement regardless of outcome. He and Jeanine hosted the annual Easter egg hunt at their home, an event beloved by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Late in his life, he got particular enjoyment from his great-grandchildren and his face would beam every time he saw them. He also loved animals, ranging from his many dogs and cats over the years and always included a scarlet macaw parrot.

Bob was not just a great family man; he was a friend to many. He was a man of faith and a devoted, multi-generation member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco. Bob also served on the board of St. Paul’s day school during its early years.

Bob lived a full life, one of service to his country, faith and love for his family and his many friends.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Katherine Sherman Britain, and Donald Britain, whom he loved like a son.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Jeanine Johnson Sherman; his beloved daughter, Nelwyn Elizabeth Sherman; son, Robert Allen Sherman and his wife, Mary Ella Sherman; grandson, Davis Sherman and his wife, Kristi and great-grandchildren, George Sherman and Isabelle Sherman; granddaughter, Lainey Finch and her husband, Dan; granddaughter, Kate Sherman; son, Arthur Haag Sherman and his wife, Millette Lewis Sherman and granddaughters, Carson Sherman and Julia Sherman; granddaughter, Holly Britain; granddaughter, Elizabeth Stephens and her husband, Brandon, and great-grandchildren Jack Stephens and Ford Stephens; and grandson, Cullan Britain and his wife, Kara, and great-grandchildren James Britain and Campbell Britain.

Services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to St. Paul’s Episcopal School at 517 Columbus Avenue, Waco, Texas 76701.

Place of Service: St. Paul Episcopal Church , 515 Columbus Ave.; Waco, TX 76701