Sherman Merrill Crump

Sherman Merrill Crump, age 93, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Draper, Utah. He was born on August 15, 1932, in Murray, Utah, to William Grant Crump and Lola Grant Crump.

Sherman married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Ardyth Roper, on September 19, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, service, and love. Sherman adored his wife, Ardyth.

He graduated from Jordan High School, Brigham Young University, and earned a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Utah. Sherman proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956.

A faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sherman served in numerous callings, including Young Men’s President, Elders Quorum President, Ward Mission Leader, Bishop, Stake President, Regional Representative, Temple Sealer, Counselor in the Jordan River Temple Presidency, and Patriarch. Alongside his wife, Ardyth, he served as a Mission President in both the Idaho Pocatello Mission and the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission. He also served as a full-time missionary and gospel instructor at Salt Lake Community College.

Sherman devoted much of his professional life to education at Jordan High School, where he served as Student Body President, teacher, coach, vice principal, and principal. He also served his community as Vice President and President of the Reunion Village South Jordan gated community.

After working in education, the LDS Church employed Sherman as the General Secretary of the Aaronic Priesthood, Assistant to the Presiding Bishopric, and Assistant Managing Director of the Building Department. He later served for 19 years as Assistant and Managing Director of the Missionary Department.

Athletics were a lifelong passion for Sherman. He played basketball and baseball at Jordan High School and BYU, was a member of two NIT teams at BYU, and was a freshman on the 1951 NIT Championship Team. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and was named the most outstanding player in regional Church volleyball. He is a member of the Utah Basketball Hall of Fame and the Utah Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. During his military service, he was stationed at an Air Force base in England, where he was selected as the most outstanding basketball player in the Air Force throughout Great Britain and the Europe Championship Tournaments. The Army retired is #10 jersey.

Sherman also loved poetry and was a member of the National Youth Hall of Fame in poetry.

He loved spending time with family. Between Sherman and Ardyth, kids activities and sporting events were never missed. He made everyone laugh. He gladly took his family on yearly Lake Powell trips where the annual Crump family disaster was always waiting to happen. If he joined in the card games, he never lost. Played weekly racquetball with his boys and won dance contests with his daughters. He always gave the best advice and knew the answer to every problem.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ardyth; his children: Kevin (Peggy), Robyn (Mark Cram), Kent, Paul (Trisha), and Chris (Dorraine); 22 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sweet daughter, Collette Crestani, in 1986.

Sherman will be remembered for his faith, testimony, stories, leadership, love of family, and lifelong dedication to serving others.

A viewing will be held in his honor on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the River Ridge Chapel on 1409 West Shields Lane, South Jordan, Utah from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at the same chapel on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to noon. There will be a viewing before the funeral services from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Interment to follow services at Sandy City Cemetery, 700 East 9000 South, Sandy.