Obituary of Sherman Alton Cookson, Jr.

In Loving Memory of Sherman Alton Cookson Jr 05/09/1940-12/17/2019 Sherman passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, with his wife, children and grandchildren at his side. Sherman was born on May 9th, 1940, son of Sherman Sr and Rena Cookson, both of Burnham, Maine. Sherman married the love of his life, Joyce Cookson (Merrithew) on May 8th, 1959, in Pittsfield, Maine at the Baptist Parsonage. Sherman worked in the Burnham woods, Ethan Allen and spent most of his life working for the Maine Central Railroad. Sherman and Joyce resided in Burnham, Maine where they raised three children, Kevin Cookson of Burnham, Maine, Mary Bickford (married to Shawn Bickford) of Burnham, Maine and Melissa Collamore of Burnham, Maine. Sherman was an active participant in the Sebasticook Valley Masons for several years, thoroughly enjoyed tinkering in his garage making Adirondack chairs and birdhouses, attending AA with friend Bill W, watching sports from home or attending MCI football games, riding his lawn mower and spending time with his precious children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who he idolized very much. Sherman was predeceased by his mother and father, Sherman Sr and Rena Cookson, his three sisters Joann Sidelinger, Alyson Thomas and Janace Rich, two brothers, Maynard Cookson and Melvin Cookson, and special nephews Scott and Benjamin Lovely. Sherman is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Cookson, his son, Kevin Cookson and daughters Mary Bickford (Shawn Bickford) and Melissa Collamore, grandchildren Hannah Turgeon (John Turgeon II), Hilary Bickford, Hattie Bickford (Howard Hatchell), Molly Tracy (Cody Tracy), Christopher Collamore and Matthew Cookson, and four great grandsons Cayden Moody, Jace Goucher, John Turgeon III and Zade Turgeon. Sherman did not wish to have a funeral but in warmer weather the family will hold a Celebration of Life for Sherman Cookson Jr. A special thank you to Gwen Chase, Sherman’s hospice nurse for her loving care, from Sherman and his family.