William Russell (Bill) Sherman

William Russell "Bill" Sherman died peacefully at his residence on March 13, 2012; he had celebrated his 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends just days before. He was born on March 10, 1951 in Upper Sandusky to William D. and Dorotha Belle (Hottman) Sherman, who preceded him in death.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rene (Johnson) of Upper Sandusky and daughters Heather (Derek) Kuba, Dayton, Ohio and Sarah (Jen) Ryan of El Paso, Texas. He also leaves behind siblings Dianna Stauffer, Findlay, Ohio; Robert (Mary) Sherman of Davenport, Florida; and Charles (Rita) Sherman of Clearwater, Florida. Other family members include grandchildren Celeste, Lincoln, and Cameron Kuba, as well as his mother-in-law Jane Martin of Upper Sandusky and fathers-in-law Don Ebright of Findlay, Ohio and Larry Johnson of Marysville, Ohio.

A native of Upper Sandusky, Bill loved the community and its residents, who rallied to support him when he became ill. He graduated from USHS in 1969, and his classmates were a lifelong source of strength and camaraderie, especially in his final days. After graduation from high school, he enrolled at OSU where he was a fine arts major.

Bill was a quiet thinker with a dry sense of humor and a penchant for adventure and new experiences; his keen powers of observation made him an astute judge of character. He was a humble man who quietly supported various family and community causes. Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at his Pt. Clinton bungalow, where he found solace and tranquility at the lake.

A skilled industrial mechanic, Bill was employed for many years at Engineered Wire Products in its maintenance department; he finished his professional experience working for Diamond Plastics in its maintenance shop. Over the course of his employment, Bill helped plan and work on the front lines of two major plant expansions at EWP. He developed an interest and aptitude working on construction and machinery as a child alongside his grandfather, Russell "Gus" Hottman.

Bill was a proud Harley Davidson owner and enjoyed exploring country roads on his cycle; he was part of the motorcade of thousands of bikes that escorted the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to Upper Sandusky in 2005. He was also a member of the Wyandot County Classics and Cruisers and took great pleasure in helping plan and staff the group's annual Autumn Cruise.

A Memorial Service for William Russell "Bill" Sherman will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4:00pm at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky with the Rev. Ken Wessler officiating the services.

Visitation will also be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, Upper Sandusky.

It was Bill's wish for his body to be donated to the University of Toledo Medical College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wyandot Memorial Hospital's Oncology Department, Emergency Department, or to Hospice of Wyandot County in care of the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.