Sherman Vangsnes

Sherman Rueben Vangsnes, 88, passed away early Sunday morning, August 7th at the Alpine Nursing Facility in Kerrville, Texas. He is preceded in death by his first wife Joanne in 1980 and Sherlie Lappin Vangsnes in 2014. The youngest of nine brothers and sisters, Sherman was born May 6, 1928 in rural Walcott, North Dakota.\r\n \r\nHe was drafted into the Marines and proudly served his country from 1951-1953 in Korea. \r\n \r\nHe began his agricultural career in Hastings, Nebraska with the Soil Conservation Service in 1955. Later, he was transferred to Tombstone, Arizona. In 1960, he moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma where he began working with Watershed Research. The data that he and his colleagues gathered is still being used today. He was transferred to Weslaco, Texas in 1969 and continued working with the Department of Agriculture until he retired. In all, he worked for 30 years in the USDA. Sherman retired and moved to Bandera, Texas in 1989.\r\n \r\nAlways an active community citizen, Sherman coached Little League Baseball and was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He enjoyed square dancing, achieved Master Gardner and was an avid gardener at the Garden Club in Bandera. As a member of Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, he supervised Sunday school for several years.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by his three sons, Lynn Vangsnes and wife Bonnie; Bradley Vangsnes and wife Suzan; Donn Vangsnes and wife Shelly; three step children, Kittrin Prasil and husband Ed; Cynthia Lappin; James Lappin and wife Maria; twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.\r\n \r\nHe will be remembered for his quick wit, big smile, warmth and charm.\r\n \r\nCelebration of Life will be held at Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, located at 8589 TX-16, Pipe Creek, on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 11:00 AM.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church.