Thomas “Tom” Eugene Sherman, of Vashon Island, Washington, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away December 23, 2018. He was 75.
Tom was born in Seattle on September 7, 1943 to Gene and Peggy Sherman of Vashon Island. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1961 and was proud to be a life-long Islander. Tom treasured the fact that his grandchildren were all seventh generation Islanders, direct descendants of the Island’s first permanent European settlers.
Working in heavy marine construction up and down the West Coast for over forty years, Tom had at one time held virtually every position on the construction company ladder, from apprentice carpenter (“pile buck,”) to finally part-owner of General Construction Company. He retired in 2004 after completion of the caissons for the new span of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Even after his retirement he continued to consult with the State of Washington on numerous transportation projects.
Tom enjoyed fishing, visiting the ocean, woodworking, cruising the Island roads in his 1957 Chevy Bel Air, and keeping close with family, especially his children and grandchildren. He gave freely of his time, helping family and friends alike with many special projects, including repairing antique furniture and restoring vintage cars and tractors.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Sherman, his mother, Peggy Sherman, and daughter, Stacy Sherman. He is survived by his wife Karla Sherman, to whom he was married for forty-four years. He is also survived by son Jim Sherman, with wife Karie Sherman, and grandchildren Emmett and Olivia, daughter Tami Brown, and grandson Nathan, daughter Sarah Kassik, with husband Keith Kassik, and grandchildren Jack, and Charlie, and by brother John Sherman, with wife Kay Sherman, as well as their children and grandchildren, and a long list of extended family.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Alvord Brain Tumor Center at UW Medical Center or The Vashon Heritage Museum.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00pm, at the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club, 19720 Singer Rd SW, Vashon.
Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.
