Remembering Pecan Industry Members
Sherman Richardson and George Martin
Back in mid-January, the pecan industry lost two long-time and dedicated members. Pecan South remembers them here.
Sherman Richardson:
Louisiana pecan grower, Sherman Richardson, 61, passed away on Jan. 17, 2021 from complications following heart surgery. Sherman was born September 10, 1959 in Covington, Louisiana. He is the son of John Wilson and Elouise Arnold Richardson.
Although he held degrees in Land Surveying and Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University, Sherman spent most of his career “in his cherished field of growing pecans.”
He was a friend and mentor of pecan growers throughout Louisiana. Sherman served multiple terms as president of the Louisiana Pecan Growers Association and several years as a board member. He also served as a board member for the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association.
Sherman is survived by his parents John W. and Elouise A. Richardson; brother Ken Richardson (Vonda); sisters Karen Richardson and Melanie Richardson Van Ommen (Henry); nieces Mikayla Richardson, Morgan Vandegevel, Carma Van Ommen; nephew Kendall Van Ommen. Also, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.
The family welcomed friends to a graveside service on Jan. 23 at Colfax Cemetery, Colfax, Louisiana.
Sherman’s full obituary was first published by Hixson Brothers Funeral Homes.
George Martin:
On Jan. 22, 2021, the National Pecan Shellers Assoc. shared that long-time pecan industry member George Martin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday in Houston, Texas.
“Mr. Martin was one of the pecan industry’s most recognized leaders. He was the founder and president of Navarro Pecan Company, served as Chair of the Board for NPSA, and had extensive business interests in Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Illinois,” NPSA Executive Director Jon Krueger wrote in the emailed announcement.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, a celebration of George’s life will be scheduled for later this summer.
