Sherman

David John (“Coach”) Sherman, 85, of Punxsutawney and former longtime resident of Six Points, Pa., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in his home.

David was born in Butler, on Jan. 7, 1938. He was the eldest son of the late Otto Davis Sherman and Rita Gerstner Sherman of Butler. As a young man he served mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Butler.

David was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran serving as a radio mechanic in Seattle near the end of the Korean War. He loved having the American flag flying high in his front yard.

David was a graduate of Butler High School and Slippery Rock College. He began his career teaching English at Moniteau High School and later accepted a teaching position with Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, where he retired in 1998. David often shared that he felt his love for reading and desire to be a teacher began with his childhood commitment to study and learn each word and definition in the dictionary.

Although teaching was his primary career, his true passion was coaching and developing hidden talents in student athletes. His dedication to coaching was seen throughout the many sports he coached including cross country, elementary and JV/varsity basketball, football and track and field. He was able to get the most out of his athletes and made sure each one of them contributed to the team effort while striving to do their individual best. His coaching made a lasting impression on the student athletes with whom he worked, and many still fondly remember his impact on their young lives.

In his track and field coaching career, he helped many individual athletes become district champions and state medalists. His team attained a District IX Team Championship in 1990. During his years coaching track and field, he was also instrumental in continuing the traditions of the A-C Valley Invitational and the Junior Olympics meet. Throughout his coaching career, Coach Sherman found a way to make sure his athletes had the right shoes to compete in their sports. If they had a will to compete, he made sure they had the means to do it.

Not only was David a lifetime coach, but he was a true competitor. During his time at Moniteau, David was an avid runner who placed in numerous 10Ks for his age group. He prepared for his races by running from home to school on a regular basis.

David was also very active in his community, serving over the years as an Allegheny Township Supervisor, manager of the Emlenton Pool, and coach of the Emlenton Youth Baseball team.

After moving to Punxsutawney, Coach Sherman had the privilege of working with his grandchildren helping to develop their natural talents in basketball, track and field, and tennis.

In his retirement, David enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening and being an all-around handyman. He could name every plant, flower, tree, bird or fish and loved enjoying nature at its best. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, occasionally making trips to New Mexico and Michigan for visits.

David is survived by his wife, Donna Sedwick Sherman, whom he married on Nov. 4, 1964, at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Butler.

He is also survived by two daughters Marjorie Sherman (Richard Popio), of Midlothian, Va., and Patricia Presloid (John), of Punxsutawney, Pa.; two sons, David B. Sherman (Lori), of Foxburg, Pa., and John F. Sherman (Kristen), of Kalamazoo, Mich.; and eight grandchildren, Allison and Mia Sherman, Ethan, Chloe and Evan Presloid, and Elise, Isabelle and David P. Sherman. Also surviving are his brothers, James and Thomas, and a sister, Ellen, all of Butler.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marjorie and Mary; and a brother, Steven.

SHERMAN — A private funeral service for David John (“Coach”) Sherman, who died Wednesday, July 12, 2023, was officiated by longtime family friend, the Rev. Charles Campbell, at HILE FUNERAL HOME, Emlenton. Military honors were accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard of Franklin. Interment was in Scrubgrass Cemetery, Emlenton.

Contributions in Coach Sherman’s memory may be made payable to: “Shoes from Coach Sherm” and mailed to Farmers National Bank, 102 Indiana St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767. The fund was established in order to help student athletes in need purchase new shoes to participate in their sport.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.