Van "Oscar" Sherrer (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Van Oscar Sherrer, son of Van and Alma Knapp Sherrer, was born February 15, 1928, near Sleeper, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, March 28, 2017, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-nine years, one month, and thirteen days.
On February 14, 1948, he was united in marriage to Ethel Louise Berry, and to this union two daughters and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Glen, Adrian, Ronald, and James Sherrer.
Oscar is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Ethel, of the home; two daughters, Loretta Hildebrand, and her husband, Jim, of Marshfield, Missouri, and Cathi Hildebrand, and her husband, Randy, of Lebanon, Missouri; a son, Douglas Sherrer, and his wife, Verna, of Lebanon, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Josh and Ryan Sherrer, Aaron and Chris Hildebrand, Angel Maas, Chad Hildebrand, and Lorie Naugle; sixteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dencil Sherrer, and his wife, Sarah, of Sleeper, Missouri, and Keith Sherrer, and his wife, Wilma, of Stoutland, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born and raised in the Sleeper community. After he and Ethel were married, they made their home near Sleeper and lovingly raised their family. Oscar worked for Detroit Tool and Engineering Company for over thirty years before retiring. Later, he did excavation work and operated heavy equipment for several years.
Oscar made his profession of faith in Christ early in his life and was a member of Sleeper Pentecostal Church, where he had served as a Deacon.
He was a very talented musician and played both the banjo and mandolin. He had played with several groups at various churches and other locations and particularly liked bluegrass gospel music. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years, but always grew a fantastic vegetable garden each year. He was very interested in steam engines and was fascinated by railroads and trains. His family was very important to him and to make his day perfect he would have his grandchildren around him and a bowl of homemade ice cream in his hand.
Oscar was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will remember him for his music, his sense of humor, and his love of family.
A memorial has been established to the Stephens Cemetery or the American Cancer Society.
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