Sherman Palmer, Sr.

Age 82, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born April 29, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Sherman Ray was a son of Phillip Sherman and Ruby Vada (Jackson) Palmer. At a young age, he moved with his family to Wilmington, where he was raised and educated before entering the United States Army. Sherman proudly and honorably served his country stateside during the Vietnam era.

A hardworking man who took pride in earning an honest living, Sherman was a member of Laborers Local #75 and spent a number of years working at the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station before retiring. He was a former member of the Wilmington Moose Lodge, enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition of playing in a pool league, and was a member of the Island City Travelers Gold Wing Club.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Sherman was a man of many interests who always seemed to find something to keep himself occupied. He enjoyed antiquing, exploring garage sales, and collecting just about anything that caught his eye. Among his prized collections were die-cast cars and anything bearing the familiar green and yellow of John Deere. A devoted Ford man through and through, Sherman also enjoyed NASCAR.

Sherman had a fun-loving personality and a playful sense of humor. He loved to joke around, enjoyed dancing, and was rarely without an appreciation for a good pair of cowboy boots and some classic country music. Johnny Cash was among his favorites, though Elvis Presley certainly held a special place in his musical tastes. He appreciated the simple pleasures in life, whether enjoying a cold Busch beer, tending to his garden, watching professional wrestling, or settling in for a classic western. Always clean-cut and particular about his appearance, Sherman was also known for his flirtatious charm and his ability to strike up a conversation, especially with the ladies. His lighthearted nature and mischievous sense of humor were simply part of what made Sherman who he was.

Beneath that playful exterior was a man with an exceptionally big heart. Sherman was generous to a fault and would readily give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He believed in hard work, took pride in what he had, and never needed life’s extravagances to find happiness. Though proud and sometimes set in his ways, he remained a humble, down-to-earth man who found contentment in the familiar comforts of everyday life.

Among those comforts was the companionship of his beloved feline friend of 16 years, affectionately and rather humorously named “Sh*thead,” who held a special place in Sherman’s heart.

Sherman lived life on his own terms, never pretending to be anything other than himself. He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his colorful personality, his generous heart, and the simple, honest way he approached life. Above all, he leaves behind the reminder that a meaningful life is not measured by material possessions or grand accomplishments, but by the kindness we extend, the laughter we share, and the memories we leave with those who knew and loved us.

Survivors include his daughter Shelby Warren (Troy Moore) of Wisconsin and son and daughter-in-law, Sherman, Jr. and Dana Palmer of Wilmington; three grandchildren: Candace (Tyler), Lindsey (Adam) and Bobby (Jessica); great grandchildren: Denaya (Joe), Devin, Brody, Brailey, Austyn and Hank; siblings: Virginia Marlow, Melvin Palmer, Cissy Webb and Phillip “Hopper” Palmer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Sherman was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Ruby, and siblings: Roy Palmer, Bingo Kozol, Betty Findlay, Larry “PeeWee” Palmer, Andrew “Hound Dog” Palmer and Mary Jo Palmer in infancy.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service 1:00 p.m. 

Inurnment with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sherman’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Sherman’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)