Robert Sherman Loden

Robert Sherman Loden (87) of Waxahachie, Texas, was born to Vasker Smith Loden and Pearl Beaver Loden on December 3, 1927 in Athens, Texas, and died June 10, 2015 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease in Waxahachie, Texas.

Sherman to his family, Sherm to his friends, was born and raised in Athens, Texas where he lived on his family’s farm. He graduated from Athens High in 1945 at the age of 17. His unwavering commitment to his personal relationship with Jesus Christ influenced every facet of his life.

Sherman was blinded in one eye in an accident on the football field, but this did not prevent him from pursuing a successful career in business. On the heels of graduation from high school, he moved to Dallas where he met Martha Moore in June of 1945. After a brief courtship, they married in September, 1945 and settled into an apartment on Ross Avenue in Dallas. His career with Sears, Roebuck and Co. began in 1945 where he swept the floors and loaded trucks. Sherman’s career at Sears was filled with opportunity resulting from his internal drive to be the best and do his best in everything he pursued. Eventually, he was promoted to the manager of the Southwest Territory purchasing department where he supervised and facilitated the purchasing of all paper products, printing, signage, and store fixtures for all Sears stores and offices in a five state region. His inner character was reflected also in his service as chairman for many years to the Lamar Street catalog plant’s United Way campaigns. He was respected and admired by his peers and employees for his honesty and integrity.

In 1950, the Lodens moved to Lancaster, Texas where they built a new house at 544 W. 5th Street. In 1952, they became parents to Deborah Naomi, Sherma Lou was born in 1955, and later Bethany Elaine was born in 1961. With a growing family, the couple moved across town to a new home at 627 Willowood where they stayed until retirement in 1988. Upon retirement the couple moved where he fulfilled his life-long dream of returning to his boyhood hometown. They resided in Athens until 2010 when they moved to Waxahachie.

Throughout his adult life his commitment to Lord was evident in his service to mankind through the churches he attended and the many project he participated in while serving. As a deacon and church leader, a friend to his pastors and their families, a mentor to young men and women, his love for Christ was shown in his service to others. Throughout the course of his life, Martha and Sherman would notice a need and quietly meet it without fanfare or accolades.

Sherman’s love for his family was evident in all that he did. He was a consummate jack-of-all trades who could fix most anything mechanical, build to specification anything of wood, and provide general advice to anyone who would listen about how to secure a sound future. He doted on his children, welcomed his son-in-laws into the family with open arms, and adored his grandchildren and great children, teaching them about living sensibly while keeping God at the center of all life’s decisions. He was never happier than when in the presence of his family.

Funeral services will be held at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel on June 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., Pastor Richard Smith presiding. Brenda Wilmer will sing one of Sherman’s favorite spiritual songs, Who Am I? Two other favorite songs of Mr. Loden’s will be played, Let Me Live Close to Thee and Victory in Jesus.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years and nine months, Martha Louella Moore Loden of Waxahachie; three daughters, Deborah Dutschke of Abilene, Sherma and Randy Duck of Cypress, and Beth and Jim Thomas of Waxahachie; six grandchildren, Jeremy Dutschke (wife Kendra), Megan Dutschke Partain (husband John), Cimbrey Duck Brannan (husband Mark), Nicholas Duck, Jessica Thomas Ballard (husband Brandon), and Jarrod Thomas (wife Yesica); eight great-grandchildren, Preston Dutschke, Chandler Dutschke, Hudson Dutschke, James Partain, Zane Brannan, Elise Brannan, Jamie Thomas, and Braydon Ballard; sisters, Lois Loden Osorio and Cecil Loden Pearson; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Vasker and Pearl Loden; his sister Mary Lou Loden Knight; and his brothers Vasker Loden, Jr., Charlie Joe Loden, and Alvin Loden.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind at:

Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind

Attn: Philanthropy

4306 Capitol Avenue

Dallas, TX 75204

Or www.dallaslighthouse.org