Sherman Earl Heston

Their Story

Sherman Earl Heston was born October 29, 1925, in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of Emil and Norabelle Shirkey Heston.¹ Sherman grew up in his small town in a large family. He had six brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Fairfield High School.

Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he honorably served in World War II earning the rank of corporal. During his time in World War II, Sherman fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was awarded the bronze star medal, awarded to those who displayed exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Headquarters Company, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division.² To read more about the Battle of the Bulge, visit: bulge-final.pdf (archives.gov).

All of his brothers served in the military, five of them during WWII. His brother, LaVerne, lost his life in the Italian Campaign, dying from wounds received during fighting.³

Upon his return home from his military career, Sherman married Ruth Leona Moser in Centerville, Iowa, in 1947. They shared 59 years together. After the wedding, the newlyweds moved to Davenport. Sherman painted houses and took tolls on the twin bridges to earn a living.. It was later working in real estate that Sherman found his niche, working with Ken Swartz Realty for a bit before working as a housing supervisor at Suarez Housing and Pulte Homes in Lutz, Florida, where he worked for many years earning many awards along the way.

After his retirement in 1985, Sherman returned to Iowa and moved to Bettendorf. Those close to Sherman regarded him as a sweetheart who walked on the bright side of life with a sunny attitude, even painting loved ones’ houses well into his later years. Sherman passed away February 25, 2016, as an accomplished man surrounded by loved ones.