Salem-Eugene Cowan Sherman, 93, of Salem passed away Saturday afternoon, August 20, 2016 at his residence with his family and friends by his side.

Born March 27, 1923 in Albany, NY he was the son of the late Jesse Leland Sherman, Sr. and Mabelle MacCauley Sherman.

Gene attended Salem Washington Academy and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving during World War II.  He served with the 3rd Marine Division in the Pacific.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

Gene was a self-employed farmer and logger for many years.  He also worked at the former Cambridge Hotel for many years as a bartender where he imparted much wisdom to his patrons.

He was a collector of many things especially farm equipment.

Gene was known for his ingenuity, helpfulness and friendship to so many. According to family, Gene was a masterful storyteller.  He enjoyed long drives around Washington County often recounting the histories of many local farms.  He was an avid attendant at the Tuesday night Cattle Auction Barn in Cambridge.

Gene was predeceased by his parents; his longtime companion, Elizabeth Ridler; a brother, Jesse Leland Sherman, Jr.; a sister, Josephine Cary.

Gene is survived by his sister, Carol S. Wilkins of Salem, NY; nieces and nephews, Tracy (Jeffrey) Peck of Greenwich, NY, Amy (Carl) Meyer of Hartland, WI, Scott (Keiko) Sherman of Brooklyn, NY and Clay (Linda) Wilkins of Chatham, MA.  He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews, Tiernan Meyer of Washington, DC, Drew Meyer of Hartland, WI, Nicholas Wilkins of Edmundton, Canada, Riley Wilkins of West Galway, NY, and Taylor Wilkins of Potsdam, NY.

Gene was the honorary grandfather to Mark (Jill) Ridler of Albany, NY, Benjamin (Mandi) Ridler of Shushan and hononary great grandfather to Benjamin and William Ridler of Shushan.

Gene will be missed by his close friends, the Ridler family, and Lucinda Marek and family and Mark Cooney.

A service will be held privately for the family and interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gene may be made to the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY 12865 or to the Bancroft Public Library, P.O. Box 478, Salem, NY 12865.