William R. Sherman, Ph.D., professor emeritus of biochemistry in psychiatry in the School of Medicine, died at his home from complications of Shy Drager disease Saturday, April 26, 2003. He was 75.
Born in Seattle, Sherman served in the Army from 1945-46. He earned an undergraduate degree from Columbia University and later earned a doctorate from the University of Illinois in 1955.
He came to the University in 1961 as a research assistant of biochemistry in psychiatry. He became a research assistant professor in 1963, and he remained at the University until his retirement.
One of his major research findings involved identifying key enzymes in the pathway through which the drug lithium has its effects. His findings led to numerous studies examining the possible role of those enzymes in bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness.
Sherman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ethel; a son, Peter; a daughter, Lisa; and two grandchildren, Sarah and Nicholas Colt.
A private memorial service was held.
The family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Memory Diagnostic Center’s Zalie and Belle Levin Fund, 4488 Forest Park Ave., Suite 160, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, call 286-1967.