Francis Olaf Sherman was born on March 7, 1928 to Regina and Francis Sherman in Flushing N.Y. He is predeased by his wife Patricia Sherman of 67 years and Martha Sherman and his grandson Dylan Coalson.

At age 15 Francis joined the Navy to support his single mother and three younger siblings. He was deployed to the South Pacific, when he returned he married his high school sweetheart Patricia Koch. He joined the Army in 1947 and made it his career. For extra pay he went into the airborne as an enlisted man. He applied for OCS and successfully became an officer. He moved up the ranks, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He retired after 24 years of service.

Suring his service he was deployed to Germany, Korea, Okinawa and Vietnam. He was an Airborne Ranger Special Forces and served in Vietnam during the war where he earned his combat infantry badge and other awards.

Besides the love for his Family, he loved animals and was a strong supporter of the Jacksonville Animal Society and his love of travel several times around the world.

He is survived by his daughters Diane Skelton and Deborah Brooke and his son-in-law Richard Brooke. Two grandchildren Dennis Skelton and Karen Skelton and three great-grandchildren Kayla, Chelsea and Kalen, his brother Donald Sherman and sister Dana Freal.