Sherman William Lemen, 100 years and 101 days old, of Osgood was called to be with the Lord on August 12, 2016 at 7:40 a.m. He was born May 3, 1916, south of Osgood on Tanglewood Road on what was known as the J. S. Bilby farm. The son of Chancie William and Naomi (Black) Lemen, he is survived by four children, David William (Jackie)Lemen of Carmel, Steve (Cindi) Lemen of Santa Claus, Martha Lee (Les) Kessens of Osgood, and Larry (Miriam) Lemen of Westfield. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Ellen Hammersley and Phyllis Courtaney. He was preceded in death by his parents and by Infant Lemen, Joe Lemen, Albert (Buddy) Lemen, Alberta Fender, Dorothy Ralston, Carl Lemen, Richard Lemen, Chancie Eugene Lemen, Eva Crum and Winnie Hettrick.
He grew up on the 240-acre farm, getting his elementary and high school education in Center Township schools, Osgood from which he graduated on April 26, 1934. He entered Central Normal College in December of 1934. He started teaching in Osgood in 1936 on a two-year license. He taught there until he started serving in WWII. Sherman was called to serve his country in November of 1941. He was honorably discharged in 1945 from Camp Atterbury (Army).
He married Margaret Jean Downey on July 27, 1942 in Milan, Indiana. They have four children, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Sherman’s basic training was held in Rucher, Alabama, field training in Tennessee, desert training in California and Arizona. He took sea training in San Louis Obispo, California and was then shipped to Hawaii for jungle training.
He saw action in Anwar and Pellieu with the 81st division Artillery 105.5 and 155. He served in communications and was General Beasby’s radio operator. From this combat the 81st was sent to New Caledonia for rest and relaxation, crossing the equator twice.
The 81st Division was shipped to Leyte in the Philippines. They were staging for the invasion of the island of Japan. But while there, President Truman authorized the use of the atomic bomb on the Japanese nation. (That probably saved his life!) They landed as occupation forces in Northern Japan in Honshu Province, later being shipped south near Tokyo.
From there they were shipped home by the northern route close to Alaska and landed in Seattle, Washington. From there they were shipped to Camp Atterbury for discharge.
Sherman went back to college and earned a B. A Degree. After transferring to Butler, he earned a Master’s Degree in administration. He served four years as principal at Holton, ten years as principal at Napoleon, and 20 years as superintendent of the Jac-Cen-Del School Corporation. In all, he served 44 years in teaching and administration. He retired on July 1, 1980.
Sherman was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church, Osgood. There he served as deacon, Sunday school superintendent, Men’s Class Sunday School teacher for over 50 years, trustee, young people’s leader, and assisted in the excavation of the church basement.
He also served on the Ripley County Farm Bureau board and the Center Township board for a number of years. He was on the Ripley County school reorganization board in the 1960’s. He was a 75+-year member of the Osgood Masons. He also belonged to the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite and the Shriners.
He was a charter member of the Osgood Lion’s Club. In 1992 he received the Melvin Jones Award from the Lion’s Club International. He was a life-long member of the American Legion. He served on the Ripley County Retired Teachers and the state organization. He was a charter and 50+-year member of the Osgood Civic Club.
Sherman’s favorite pastimes were gardening, playing bridge and euchre, and spending winter in Florida.
In 2015, he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash. Rep. Randy Frye presented the award granted from Governor Pence. In 2015 he also received the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
Visitation will be from 4-8 on Tuesday, August 16 at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 17 at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church with both Steve Allen and Don Buck officiating. Donations may be made to the Jac-Cen-Del Sherman and Jean Lemen Scholarship, Greendale Cemetery, or donor’s choice.
(Written by Sherman Lemen)
Neal’s Funeral Home, Osgood, Indiana
www.nealsfuneralhome.net