Frank L. Cherms, Jr., passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 25, 2016 at his home in Chico, CA.
Born on June 4, 1930 in Warwick, RI to Frank L. Cherms, Sr. and Myrtle J. (Sprague) Cherms. He married his childhood sweetheart, Marie Newmarker Cherms, on June 14, 1952 at Lakewood Baptist Church in Warwick, RI. Frank graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science, University of New Hampshire with a Master's of Science and finally University of Maryland with a PHD in Poultry Science. He became the youngest tenured professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1957. Many month long summer camping trips were enjoyed by his young family during their time in Wisconsin. Frank and his family moved to Sonoma in the summer of 1969. At that time he became the Reproductive Avian Physiological Geneticist at Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms Improving egg production using lighting control and artificial insemination among many other things. Many presentations were given all over Europe during his time at Nicholas as well as World Turkey Conference involvement. Following retirement, Frank was a longtime member of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Auxillary and was the See's candyman for a number of years. He also drove for FISH for many years as well as an active member of SIRS Branch 41 for many years. Frank and Marie were avid travelers and shared their love of travel with their family and many friends.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marie; daughter, Lois C. Arcoraci (Gary) of Chico, CA son Mark L. Cherms (Joyce Thornton) of Owasso, OK; granddaughters, Sara Jenks Mullnix (Zachary) of Paradise, CA, Rebecca Cherms Wilson (Scott) of Tulsa, OK; and great-grandson, Zephaniah Royal Mullnix; along with his sister, Janet Sprague Cherms of Warwick, RI. Preceded in death by sister, Marjorie Cherms LaFromboise of Warwick, RI. At Dad's request, no services will be held.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Sonoma Valley Hospital, FISH of Sonoma or any Hospice organization of your choosing.
