Joseph G. Sher

Joseph G. Sher (78), of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on February 10, 2024 after a short, but hard fought, battle with brain cancer.

Joe was born to Charles Joseph and Ida Mary Daleiden Sher on December 7, 1945 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC. He graduated from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, VA in 1963. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963 - 1967 based out of Altus, Oklahoma. He later moved to Norman, Oklahoma where he graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1970 with a Bachelors in Business Administration. Joe’s career spanned many different industries including hotel, commercial real estate, oil and gas, and finance. Joe spent the majority of his career proudly working as an accountant for Norman Plumbing Supply and Big Red Supply.

A dedicated member of the St. Thomas More University Parish, Joe was a man of strong faith, which was obvious to those who knew him. Members of the Parish will fondly remember the many characters he would dress in costume for the Christmas Eve Children’s Mass. Joe took great joy in finding the perfect costume for these roles whether it be a shepherd, angel, wiseman, or the “Elf on a Shelf.” In addition to the Church, Joe was a charter member of the Norman Sooner Rotary Club, as well as served a number of different community organizations in Norman, including the ABLE Community Based Services, the JD McCarty Center, the Lions Club, Parkinson Foundation Norman Support Group, and was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He also displayed his love of Jesus through his generosity and humble service to others. Joe regularly looked for opportunities to serve those around him, including neighbors, church members, fellow employees, and friends. Moreover, Joe had a unique ability to brighten any room with his mere presence. He consistently carried himself with immense joy that would present itself through his infectious smile and laughter.

Joe was a pet lover and an avid OU fan, regardless of the sport. He also loved to golf and fish (two hobbies that he never quite mastered), as well as play cards. He was a regular at the Trails Country Club, often found in the locker room playing gin (or in the trees looking for his ball). He was also a talented rock painter and enjoyed creating stained glass artwork.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charlie. Joe is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carolyn, his daughter, Kristen, his older son, Drew of Clarksville, Tennessee, his younger son Rob, and daughter-in-law Heather, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his three grandchildren, Addison (17), Ellison (14) and Sutton (12). He is also survived by his stepson, Eric, his sister-in-law, Patricia Sher, nieces, Cindy Jaskulski, Donna Cromwell, and Debra Norris, as well his nephew, Chip Sher. Joe is also survived by the mother of his children, Sandy Kerr.

Joe held many titles in life, but his favorite role was that of a grandfather to his three grandchildren. Affectionally known as “JoePa”, he made each of his grandchildren feel as if they were the most valuable person in the world. Although none of his grandchildren lived in Norman, Joe made it a priority to attend school programs, sports activities, and dance recitals. He was also one of the most creative gift givers. A gift from Joe promised to bring laughs, which for him was the greatest gift he could offer, that of joy. Without question these words of Jesus are being spoken over Joe in Heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21

A memorial service honoring Joe’s life will be held at St. Thomas More University Parish on Saturday, February 24th at 11 AM, with a reception to follow. A Rosary Service will be held the night before, Friday, February 23rd at 7:00 PM, also at St. Thomas More University Parish. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the JD McCarty Center (Norman) or the Center of Family Love (Okarche) to assist in helping children with special needs.