Sherman A. Armstrong, 79, of Downsville, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Delaware Valley Hospital.

Sherm was born on November 30, 1929 in Walton the son of the late Frank and Irene McLaughlin Armstrong. He played Walton football on the 1948 championship team. On December 30, 1952 he married the former Doris I. Babcock. Sherm was active in the Downsville Fire Dept for many years, receiving the "Fireman of the Year" award in 1989. He was employed as a policeman in the Town of Colchester for over 20 years. He later worked as a carpenter on construction.

Sherm loved life. He also enjoyed going to his coffee spots daily, which included the Downsville Diner and the Country Store. He just loved talking with people and sharing stories. He was a fantastic husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and brother. But most of all Sherm loved his grandchildren, Kristina and James. They were the apples of his eyes.

Sherm is survived by and will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Doris, his son James S. Armstrong and wife Dawn R. Armstrong, his 2 grandchildren, Kristina R. Armstrong and James G. Armstrong, two sisters, Vivian McCoy and Retha Beardslee both of Walton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Sherm was predeceased by his sisters, Theris Seymour and Marion Hood.

Friends and relatives are invited to call from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday morning at the Colchester Community Church, Downsville, with the Rev. Dale Ashby officiating. Burial will follow at Paige Cemetery, Downsville.

Contributions in Sherman's memory may be made to the Colchester Community Church, Maple Ave., Downsville, NY 13755 or to the Downsville Volunteer Fire Dept. & EMS, 15166 State Hwy 30, Downsville, NY 13755