Sherman A. “Lud” Ludlow, 86, of Curtis, died Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2009, at the Schoolcraft County Medical Care Facility in Manistique.

He was born November 2, 1922, in Manistique to Archie and Helen (nee Sherman) Ludlow.

Mr. Ludlow attended elementary school in Manistique and later moved to Newberry, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, football, and track all four years. He was graduated in 1942 and, that same year, enlisted in the United States Navy. He was wounded in action and honorably discharged November 4, 1946. He later joined the Merchant Marines and sailed on the freighter Myron C. Taylor, then was employed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. From 1960 until his retirement in 1980, he owned and operated Lud’s Sport Shop in Curtis.

Mr. Ludlow was a 32nd degree Mason and enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting. He was a fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

He married the former Roberta Gowan in 1949 and she preceded him in death January 17, 1994. Also preceding him in death are his parents, a stepfather, Dr. William Purmont, a sister, Helen Lou Pardee, and a stepson, William Gowan.

He is survived by his brothers and their families, John Ludlow and William Purmont; a stepson and his family, Fred and JoAnn Gowan; a daughter-in-law, Marlene Gowan; grandchildren and their families, John and Mary Gowan, Douglas and Beth Gowan, Brian and Anne Gowan, Mary and Jeff Liska, Greg Gowan, and Randy and Cindy Gowan; several nieces and nephews, and his longtime companion, Jackie Stamper.

A graveside service with Masonic and military honors will be Friday, September 25, at noon at Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis with the Reverend Jack Kolbe officiating. Fellowship and refreshments will follow the services at the home of Jackie Stamper in Curtis.

Memorials may be directed to the Ludlow Scholarship in care of the Tahquamenon Education Foundation, P.O. Box 482, Newberry, MI 49868 or to the Three Lakes Academy in Curtis in memory of Sherman A. “Lud” Ludlow.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family with arrangements.