Sherman O'Neil Mcdonald was many things to many people- a father, a husband, a friend, but to most, he was just 'Sherman', a man with a persona that was as enriching as it was enlightening.

Born on a winter day, December 20, 1946, Duck, as he was lovingly called, began his journey in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The son of the late Lavada and Vernon V. McDonald, he tasted the sweetness and thorns of life, just like the rest of us. He was a loving brother to Lerner and a devoted follower of Christ, with his faith ingrained deep within his soul.

Sherman wasn't a man of many words, but when he did speak, the tranquility of his voice resonated with everyone. Honest, humble, and soft-spoken, he was the proverbial gentle giant, a beacon of love, kindness, and patience. His laughter was as soothing as a lullaby yet as infectious as a classic hit song.

For Sherman, watching his favorite westerns or cheering on his favorite football team was simply joys of life, but his real happiness stemmed from his family. From being affectionately called Duck in his youth to the grand titles of Daddy, Pop Sherman, PawPaw, and PeaPa in his later years, his heart beamed with love for his children and grandchildren.

Sherman wasn't just a man who loved his family; he was a man who created one. He and Elizabeth McDonald raised three beautiful souls together- Vernon, Lisa, and the late Sharon McDonald. Later, he and his wife Linda McDonald continued the tradition, raising Sonya Franklin and filling the lives of countless foster children with loves and compassion. They even extended their love by adopting two children, Mary Foster and Tori Perry.

Even in the face of adversity, Sherman displayed great strength and courage. His last year was a testament to his unwavering spirit. His body may have been weak, but his indomitable spirit soldiered on, continuing to inspire everyone around him.

He is survived by his wife Linda McDonald, his son Vernon McDonald (Carla); daughters Elisese Griffith (Dennis), Sonya Franklin (Kenneth), Mary Foster, and Tori Perr; 10 grandchildren, Germany (Beniqua) Mcdonald, Carli McDonald, Anthony Gilbert, Kera Thomas-Miller, Thomas Perry, LaTeaira, and Donte Watson; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Lavada Jefferson-Crouch, father, Vernon V. McDonald; brother, Lerner Jefferson; and his daughter, Sharon McDonald.