Johnnie J Sherment

Johnnie Joseph Sherment, Henryetta, Oklahoma, died at the age of 99 1/2 years of age on December 22, 2019. Johnnie was born on June 15, 1920 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Fritz and Martha Ann (Anna) Sherment, who migrated to the Unite State from Austria. He married Wanda Crabtree on September 5, 1939 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. He started working for Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Henryetta on June 6, 1940

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, of 53 years; two daughters, Jonna Pippin and husband, Bobby, ; Linda Williams; two brothers, Steve and Pete Sherment, three sisters, Katherine, Mary and Christine; and good friend Millie Bradshaw.

He is survived by one daughter, DiAnna L. Gavras and Husband John; six grandchildren, Robyn Pippin Franklin and husband Eddie; Annette James and husband John; Chris Gavras and wife, Sally Craig Gavras and wife Monica; Randy Williams and wife Karen; Kevin Williams and wife Peggy; nephew Steve Sherment, nieces, Sue Giessmann and Karen Watkins, other nieces and all is great grandchildren.
Johnnie enlisted at the U.S. Navel Station in Tulsa to serve during WWII. He served at the navy sub base and received a Victory Medal in the Asiatic-Pacific Region. He was discharged November 5, 1945. After his discharge he returned to Henryetta and continued employment for Pittsburgh Plate Glass(PPG). During his tenure at PPG he was elected by his fellow employees to President of the Local ALF-CIO Union Organization. Because he entered the Navy at an early age, he was provided his high school diploma with other Henryetta veterans in 2005.

Johnnie had a love for outdoor activities; top of the list was camping and fishing at Snake Creek, Tenkiller Lake. Those family outings also included his lifetime bird dogs named Slug, Sport and Missy. it was a sight to see when Johnnie's motorboat came across the lake at a rapid rate with a bird dog standing like a statue on the bow of the boat. Another memory on that lake was Johnnie in the boat with grandchildren when schools of sand-bass were surfacing and being caught at a rapid rate. The fishing expedition ended with a cold beer for the adults straight from Johnnie perfecting the art of making "home brew". He said he learned the "home brew" craft in the Navy; he confessed his learned art made him popular with the top Navy brass. Accordingly, one of his secondary assignments in the Navy was heading up the "beer garden".

Johnnie's favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve. It started with Kielbasa, Austrian cabbage rolls, Austrian potato (strudel) rolls, and would you believe, Johnnie would bake a circular loaf of bread no less than 50 inches in circumference X 12 inches high (a delicious masterpiece). After dinner everyone found their way over to his parents' home for social drinks and conversation. Afterward came the time for Christmas caroling in Johnnie's neighborhood while Santa made his rounds. The main event was Johnnie announcing Santa had stopped by the house. The grand kids made a mad dash to find presents under the tree. It was a sight to see; Johnnie in the center of the living room handing out presents to six grandchildren, eight adults taking pictures, and 8-millimeter home movie cameras with lights that would blind Yankee Stadium; not to mention grandchildren yelling, "look what I got". Honestly there were smiles on Johnnie and Wanda faces and visions that made one think there were two more children and two less adults in the room.

Johnnies religious life existed in his learning and researching his personal needs for faith. Like the beginning song of this service, he did it "his way". After all, he was married in a Methodist Church, learned the Catholic faith via his mother, and I can vouch for his attendance at the Baptist Church on Dewar.

Johnnie's persona, his distinctive traits and his friendships are memorable. He was content in life with his wife, Wanda, and his children, grandchildren and many friends.

Johnnie gave us many good memories. ..we must hold them dear to our hearts and cherish them.