Sherman Edward Holt II

Sherman (Sherm) was born on August 28, 1958 in Redding, CA to Sherman E. Holt Sr and Marjorie (Creason) Holt. During his childhood he moved often between California and Oregon, finally settling in Medford in 1970 where he attended McLaughlin Jr. High, Medford Mid High and graduated from Medford Senior High in 1976. Sherm was an outstanding basketball player in high school and beyond. He played basketball while attending Umpqua Community College and also attended Southern Oregon State College.

Sherm worked as a teenager doing construction for his dad and then F.K. Somers, Meridian Rock (formerly LTM) before he started with the City of Medford Public Works department in 1987. Sherm retired from the city as a Lead Signing & Striping Technician in 2017, after 30 years of service.

Sherm loved basketball and played any chance he could, including city league for decades. He was often referred to as “The Franchise” by his friends. Sherm began his referee career in 1987, retiring after the 2017- 2018 season, with 30 years of service. Sherm was a highly regarded high school basketball official and voted OSAA Referee of the Year in 2013-2014. Sherm’s other passion was golf. He was so proud to have gotten a Hole in One in 2010. Never getting upset on the course, his golf buddies said his favorite phrase was “I got this” and 9 times out of 10… He DID!

Sherm met the love of his life, Karen Bayne Holt in 1980 and they were wed 9-months later on July 25, 1981. Their daughter Meghan A. (Holt) Spencer was born in 1988. Their son Skyler E. Holt completed the family in 1990.

Sherm is survived by his wife Karen and children Skyler, Meghan (Taylor) Spencer and 2 granddaughters, Quincee and Oaklee. He is also survived by Karen’s siblings (Kevin & Cheryl), his sister Marji and brother Gary and lots of wonderful, amazing nieces and nephews who loved him like a father. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Cheri.

His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00am at Grace Point Fellowship, 213 South Fir Street, Medford, OR 97501.