Keith Sherman

Keith Sherman, 88, resident of Lacey, Wash., died Feb. 23, 2006, in Providence Centralia Hospital.

He was born in Whitefish on April 27, 1917, to Deane and Isabella Sherman. After completing his schooling in Whitefish, he worked for Western Fruit Express for two years before moving to Salem, Ore., where he graduated from Willamette University in 1942. He then entered the Army, remaining in the service until he retired as a colonel in 1972. He served in Europe during World War II, in Korea during the Korean Conflict and twice in Vietnam.

Keith married Jean Longley on Nov. 1, 1942, and they lived together all over the United States and the world, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, California, Texas New York, Washington, DC, Japan, Italy and Germany. Keith lived the last 34 years in Olympia and Lacey.

Following his military retirement, Keith was instrumental in establishing and directing the Washington State Energy Office under Gov. Daniel Evans. After retiring from state service, he ran his own business working with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Keith was an excellent musician, an avid golfer, a competent and enthusiastic fisherman ,and a lifelong rail fan with his family roots in the Great Northern Railroad. Other hobbies included reading, traveling and playing bridge. Keith cherished his family and friends and was always ready to go and do. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, of Olympia, for more than 30 years, serving in many capacities.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean, two brothers, one sister and grandson Martin.

He is survived by his children Carolyn Stastny and her husband George, of McMinnville, Ore., and Geoffrey Sherman and his wife Judy, of Napavine, Wash.; grandson George Stastny, Jr. of Beaverton, Ore.; and twin brother Kenneth Sherman, of Salem, Ore.

Private inurnment will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery, in Kent, Wash., at a later date.