Francis Edwin "Fran" Sherman passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Dec. 5, 2016 at his home in Fairhope, where he resided for 20 years.
After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York with a metallurgical engineering degree, Fran was a commissioned lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps.
He worked for Kaiser Aluminum in New Orleans, providing specialized aluminum components to NASA's manned space program and British Airways.
He met his wife, Catharine Cummings, and started his family there. They transferred to Baltimore with Kaiser and raised the family there.
Fran volunteered as PTA president, served as a Scout leader, and participated in civic activities.
After 30 years with Kaiser, he retired, and worked five more years with Alcoa before retiring in Fairhope.
Fran enjoyed leisurely golfing, gardening, traveling, theatre and music, watching football and cheering on the Saints. He was dedicated to the Quail Creek Homeowner's Association.
He cherished his time with his family, especially his granddaughters and their activities.
Fran was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and George Sherman; his two brothers, George and Eugene; and his beloved son, John Andrew.
He is survived by his wife, Catharine Cummings Sherman; daughter, Janet Graham and son-in-law, Matthew Graham; beloved granddaughters, Caroline, Catharine, and Ava Frances Dasinger, McKenzie Graham; devoted brother-in-law, Henry Cummings (in Fairhope); his sister, Keitha Sherman Prendergast (Michael); nephews, Michael and Danny Prendergast, Richard Sherman; niece, Susan Prendergast; and great-nieces and nephews in Troy, New York.
The family is grateful to Springhill Home Care and Hospice, and to Golden Rule Senior Care for their dedication and loving service.
Visitation begins at 10 a.m., with celebration mass at 11 on Monday, Dec. 12 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
Burial will be in Greenwood, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN, 38101.
Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home of Daphne.
