Name: Eugene Sykes Scherman

                         Branch of Service: American Field
                         Service and U.S. Army

                         Unit:
                         AFS: Volunteer Ambulance Driver;
                         Army: Co. B., 209th Infantry Training
                         Battalion

                         Rank: Technical Sgt.

                         Dates of Service:
                         AFS, 6/23/1942-8/16/1943;
                         Army, 10/25/1943-7/23/1945

                         Theater of Service:
                         AFS, African Campaign;
                         Army, American Theater

                         E. Sykes Scherman's Oral History

1921 - 2015:  Sykes Scherman of Scottsville, VA, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2015, at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville at the age of 94.  Sykes and Trudy (Gertrude Achelis Scherman originally from Greenwich, Connecticut), with whom he share his life until his passing, were married for 70 years and had four children, all happily married:  Joan and Fred Dorr of Scituate, MA; Peter and Peggy Scherman of Scottsville, VA; Laura Scherman and Ellen Longmoore of Nellysford, VA; and Phebe and Wayne Vick of Free Union, VA. 

Sykes grew up between New York City and Greenwich, CN, where he met Trudy.  Before joining the U.S. Army in 1943, he served as an ambulance driver with the American Field Service aiding troops from Britain and Australia in North Africa.  Upon completion of his tour, he enlisted in the Army and quickly rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant and was a weapons instructor.  He later worked in advertising and then became a sculptor.  Always handy with his hands, Sykes loved his workshop and had a passion for cars, restoring a 1952 MG TD in the 1960's. 

Having attended the University of Virginia for two years prior to World War II, he always spoke with great fondness of Mr. Jefferson's University and Charlottesville, eventually leading to 3 of his 4 children moving to Albemarle County.  He loved the Virginia countryside, the many friends he made over the years, especially his trap shooting buddies and having family nearby.  Family gatherings were the core of his social life and the most important thing to him, a living legacy he leaves behind.  Once asked what was his secret to living a good, long life, he replied, "Good genes, a good wife, and good doctors.  Oh, and good rum!"  Beyond his wife and children, Sykes is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  We'll all miss his ready smile, his open arms, and his generous spirit.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Denise Williams, Dr. Nicholas Brandt, and all the attendinbg staff at Martha Jefferson Hospital for their compassionate and professional care.  In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to The Wounded Warrier Project.  The family will hold a private graveside service.