Jeffrey Douglas Sherman, 73, of Eureka Springs, boarded the last train for glory on Jan. 5, 2019.
Born in San Francisco on Sept. 11, 1945, his early years were spent on the West Coast building racecars out of washing machines, with his father on their dairy farm, or sailing the seas as an 18-year-old enlistee with the United States Navy.
Jeffrey was always looking to the next big adventure.
At a crossroads, a fellow musician introduced him to the love of his life, Rebecca Lea, a fellow musician. They shared their vows at Las Vegas City Hall in 1983. With their Volkswagen van loaded with musical instruments, vinyl records, artist tools and a baby on the way, they hit the road to the Ozarks to start their next adventure.
Jeffrey was a “Jack of All Trades,” always in his workshop where he kept every tool in place, the smell of coffee and fresh sawdust in the air, and blues music playing. He remodeled every square inch of his home for his family, worked on cars, built guitars and created machines from his own sketches.
He never knew a stranger. His smile lines were perfectly hidden under his beard. He loved telling stories. His laid back good nature, sophisticated fashion sense, and wisdom from a hard life were always shared when needed.
He will be deeply missed and never forgotten by his family, friends and his dog, Emma. His adventurous spirit now lives on in his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred A. Sherman, his mother, Annabelle Sherman, and his sister, Leslye Sherman.
He is survived by his soul mate of 37 years, Rebecca Lea Sherman of Eureka Springs, his daughter, Melissa Lea Simpson of Russellville, and son, Wyatt Cody Sherman of Eureka Springs.
His grandsons, Cayden Emery Sherman, and Jeffrey Travis Lee Simpson will miss watching movies in his lap, sharing jokes about sharks and playing video games by his side. His step-grandchildren, Greg and Kaylee Simpson, loved every minute they got to know him.
Jeffrey would encourage you after reading this to take a leap of faith and set out on your own adventure. Pick up a good book at your local library. Take a deep breath and laugh. Take plenty of photos but live in the moment. Listen to the music. And never be afraid to show someone how much you love them, especially family.
All are welcome to attend the memorial service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 500 S. Phoenix Ave in Russellville.
Come as you are.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family by clicking on the donate now option on Mr. Sherman’s obituary page at www.nelsonfuneral.com