Funeral services for Claud James Sherman, Jr., 90, of Diana, TX will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Harleton Baptist Church. Following the funeral service, a graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., at Union Springs Cemetery in Corrigan, TX. A time of visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2015 at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, TX. Mr. Sherman passed away July 29, 2015 in Longview, TX. Claud James Sherman Jr. was born April 9, 1925 in a farmhouse in rural Polk County, Texas. He graduated from Corrigan High School in 1942 and shortly after went to work in the Beaumont shipyards. He married his sweetheart Evelyn Smith in June of 1943, and a month later enlisted in the U.S. Army. In December 1944, he joined the 12th Armored Division after the Battle of the Bulge as they spearheaded for General Patton's Third Army. It was his experiences during the war which helped to earn him, along with many others, the well-deserved title of "the greatest generation." His post war years were filled with the joys and challenges of raising 5 sons, learning the trade of a tile-setter, and later welding. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener, and eagerly shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking and was known for crafting special projects for family and friends. He took great pride in assigning animal nicknames to each of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His spiritual legacy began when he became a Christian after returning home from the war and he was most recently a member of Harleton Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents Claud J. Sherman Sr. and Alice Fortune Sherman along with a brother, twin sisters and a great-granddaughter. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Evelyn Sherman; sons, Herb and wife Pat, Scott and wife Thelma, Gary and wife Barbara, Ron and wife Linda, Melvin and wife Nancy; and sister, Betty Joe Johnson. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends who will miss him dearly.