Sherman Warren French of Haughton, La. was born in Wilmot, Arkansas on Sunday, November 23, 1930 to Suella Langford French and Charles “Charlie” Randolph French. He was one of 5 siblings, which included Charlene Shell Thompson, Dorothy Mayfield Wilson, Dolly Jamar, and Jerry French.
Sherman had a lifelong passion for education. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at Centenary College, his Master of Education at the University of Mississippi, Specialist in Education at Northwestern State College, and Doctor of Philosophy Degree with a major in Educational Administration at Pacific Western University. He was most excited when he could educate and see the fruits of his labor. His education career began in LaPryor, Texas where he taught and coached baseball in high school. He moved from that area to his lifelong home in Haughton, Louisiana where he taught and coached at Central Park Elementary School. He taught sixth grade for most of his time there and became Principal to finish out his public-school career. He could not stand being retired and not teaching so he took another Principal job at Grawood Christian School. Longing to get back to teaching in the classroom, he moved to Christ the King and returned to what he loved the most, direct interaction with his students. While teaching school during the day he also taught Adult Education in the evening. He wrapped up his educational endeavors by teaching GED classes for the inmates at the Benton and Plain Dealing Jails. He also was the Choir Director at Princeton Baptist Church, lay minister, and born-again Christian.
His lifelong Love was Eleanor Virginia Chandler French with whom he spent almost 60 years. Together they raised four Christian children Linda Diane Netherton, Tony “Rocky” French, Ricky French, and Tina Zezette Sheffield.
Daddy loved sports. His favorite sport was watching his children, grandchildren, and just about anybody participate in ANY sports. He coached several teams and could always be counted on to shuttle everyone to and from practice. He was especially fond of women’s basketball and Loved to watch Kim Mulkey coach the Baylor ladies team. Daddy never missed a game for any of his kids. He watched everything from baseball, softball, football, track, rodeo, golf, pool, dance line, cheerleading, ping pong, tennis, tetherball, and horseshoes.
Equally as important as education was Sherman’s love for helping others. He frequently helped everyone in the neighborhood with everything from carpentry, plumbing, yardwork, and mechanics. He and Eleanor were seen everyday picking up trash on Chandler Road. He didn’t stop there, later in life he began going on Missionary trips. Up into his 80’s Sherman was still going on Missionary Trips. Among the places he went to care for people were South America, Central America, Africa, and the Philippines.
Sherman was preceded in death by his parents Suella and Charlie French, his wife Eleanor French, and his sisters Charlene Shell Thompson and Dorothy Mayfield Wilson.
Left to cherish the multitude of memories are: Linda Diane Netherton (Steve) of Haughton, La., Tony “Rocky” French (Ginger) of Anna, Tx., Ricky French (Shari) of Bossier City, La., and Tina Zezette Sheffield (Charles “Bubba”) of Haughton, LA. He also had six grandchildren, Ryan French (Jennifer Byers), Chad French, Kasey Netherton Golden (Michael), Kristina Sheffield Shaw (Justin), Jessica Ruybal Stevens (Robby), Broox Michelle Crain Moore (Cody). Eighteen great-grandchildren, Corben (Ramsha), Chloe, Connor, and Caleb, Joshua and Vanessa, Hunter and Cole, Cayden and Carter, Landon, Braxton, Ella, Mason, Little Landon, Eli and JR, Kaity Eleanor Grace Moore; One great-great grandchild Laila French.
Honoring him as pallbearers will be Cole Golden, Hunter Golden, Cayden Shaw, Carter Shaw, Landon Ruybal, and Corben French.
Sherman will be terribly missed by family, friends, and anyone that has ever crossed his path. He never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. We Love You, Daddy.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Memory of Dr. Sherman French by mailing a check to PO Box 5118, Bossier City, LA 71171 or online at: nwlafca.org/donate or First Baptist Church Princeton, 1298 Princeton Rd. Princeton, LA 71067 or First Baptist Church Haughton, 105 East Washington Ave. Haughton LA 71037.
