Douglas C. Sherman

Douglas Cleveland Sherman, 74, of Hunt, Texas made his transition on Dec 26, 2022 after several years battling Alzheimers. Doug was born in Houston, Texas on April 7, 1948.

He lived most of his life in Houston and graduated from Spring Woods High School in 1967. He went to college at University of Houston and completed his bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering.

Doug became a Professional Engineer and worked in the Transmission Pole Industry for 47 years. He shares several structural patents with the company he worked for. In 2002, Doug received a Presidential Award for Outstanding Performance in his company. He co-authored an ASCE manual on Prestressed Concrete Transmission Pole Structures: Recommended Practice for Design and Installation in 2012.

Doug was Vice President, Business Development for Valmont Newmark (the Global Utility Structures Division of Valmont Industries). Doug also held various Manager and Executive positions with CE-American Pole Structures (including President), Sherman Utility Structures, Inc., and Newmark International, Inc. Doug has actively participated in ASCE and IEEE Committee activities for more than 40 years, published a number of technical papers related to the design and use of both steel and spun concrete.

He was a member of ASCE Task Committee on Steel Poles (Resulted in Manual of Practice #72), ASCE Task Committee on Concrete Poles, Member (7 years), Chairman (2 years) Resulting in Manual of Practice 123 Prestressed Concrete Transmission Pole Deign, IEEE Chaired task forces for the development of the Guide for the Assembly & Erection of Concrete Poles & Assembly and Erection of Metal Transmission Poles, Boy Scouts of America, Past Troop Chair.

In 2015 he received the highest honor possible in his field as the recipient of the Gene Wilhoite Innovations in Transmissions Line Engineering Award.

Doug loved nature, traveling and Dr. Pepper. He was a Boy Scout and loved going to summer camp each year. He won the Flint and Stone Competition by having the best time in starting a fire using flint and a stone. The plaque with Doug’s name remained on their trophy wall until the camp closed in the early 2000s. He loved the natural surroundings in Colorado and would visit their often. He loved traveling whether it was pleasure or business. He loved Dr. Pepper and would even drive to Waco where they manufactured Dr. Pepper and load his Explorer with cases of the small glass bottles of Dr. Pepper made with real sugar. He loved listening to soft music but mostly BJ Thomas.

Doug enjoyed running and one year was selected to carry the Olympic torch from Houston to Conroe in its travel to the Summer Olympics.

Doug was a member of the Unity Church of the Hill Country. He was very spiritual but not religious. He was considered by everyone who met him to be kind, caring and thoughtful. He had a very giving soul.

Because of his love of nature and traveling, he and his wife, Patsy, went camping several times a year. After retirement they moved to Hunt Texas where he enjoyed his remaining years in his permanent camping spot, a log cabin.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Evelyn Hicks Sherman and his brother, Stephen Sherman.

Doug is survived by his wife, Patsy, his children Jonathan Sherman and Dustin Scott; stepchildren, Michelle Castillo, Melinda Owens, Mary Styer and 15 combined grandchildren.

In lieu of floral contributions, donations may be made to Peterson Hospice of Kerrville.

A Memorial service will be Sunday, Jan 22, 2023 at 2:00pm at Kerrville Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830)895-5111