Doc Sherwood

All who knew Doc Sherwood would agree that he was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was vivacious and vibrant with a zest for life that was completely contagious. Not one to let life get the best of him, Doc faced whatever came his way with both strength and courage that were truly inspiring to everyone around him. He made no secret of the fact that he adored his wife, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the son and grandson they adored. A loyal friend, Doc was so much fun to be around, especially because he was never serious. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It seems only fitting that Doc’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the 1950s when televisions were becoming part of our homes, and with it came shows like Father Knows Best and I Love Lucy. On the big screen, James Dean was the man of the hour, and within the music world Elvis was all the rage. It was just as this decade was dawning that Henry and Pearl (Gomber) Sherwood were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of fall began to settle on the city of Plainwell, Michigan. Their wait was over on September 19, 1950, when the baby boy they named Doc drew his first breath in Plainwell, Michigan. He was the seventh of eleven children in his family as his older siblings included Jerry, Joe, Sue, Sally, Pat, and Becky while his younger siblings included David, Mike, Roxie, and Robin. His father worked at a paper mill while his mother was a cook at local nursing homes.

In many ways, Doc was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed things like hunting and fishing, and while in school he was on the wrestling team. Doc enjoyed his dog, Ginger, and he also had hunting dogs, chickens, and rabbits. In addition to holding down his studies, he worked on Meert Farm. Every year he looked forward to taking a family vacation to Paradise, Michigan, and Tahquamenon Falls. As a senior in high school, Doc was one credit shy of graduating when he entered the military, although he later got his GED. He spent four years serving in the Marines.

Life was forever changed for Doc when he was involved in a car accident that left him disabled in 1972. He spent a lot of time in the hospital and then in rehab before coming back to Plainwell. He soon started a job taking care of the flowers at the Life Care Nursing Home. This proved to be quite fateful as it was there that he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Diane, and she was a CNA there. They met on a break and struck up a conversation, and the rest is history as they say. Deeply in love, they were married on the 5th day of May in 1997, a date they picked for Bob Dylan’s song as Doc was a huge Bob Dylan fan. To their marriage Diane brought her son, Christopher, and they were later thrilled to welcome their grandson, Darrell, into the family. In addition, Doc was very involved with his nieces and nephews as he was with them nearly all the time. He loved spending time with them, and he also had nicknames for them all, too.

Throughout his life, Doc was a man of many interests. He was a music buff who was a fan of Crosby, Stills, and Nash in addition to being a fan of Bob Dylan. Doc loved cooking, which his family greatly appreciated, and he was a master of being able to take whatever was in his fridge, throw it all together, and having it turn out to be something great! He did enjoy getting inspiration by watching various cooking shows on television. Doc was a Mt. Dew lover, enjoyed playing euchre with his friends, and loved watching The Young and the Restless.

There was no one who met Doc Sherwood and wasn’t in for a fun time. He was a jokester with a great sense of humor that made him so much fun to be around. Doc’s devotion to his family and friends was easy to see, and it was when surrounded by these loved ones that he was truly happy. Honest, hardworking, and kindhearted, he was an extraordinary man to know and love. Doc will never be forgotten.

Doc Sherwood, of Plainwell, died on October 19, 2015 at his home. Doc’s family includes his wife, Diane; son, Christopher Harvey; grandson, Darrell; six siblings: Sue (Ron) Cade, Pat (Jerry) Halstead, Becky (John) Lidster, David (Cheryl) Sherwood, Roxanne Gates, Robin (Tom) Moran as well as several nieces and nephews including a special niece Amber and great great nephew Bentlee Paul who helped take care of him. Doc was preceded in death by his parents; four sibling: Jerry, Joe, Sally and Michael. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Wednesday, October 21 from 4:00-7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Doc’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Doc serviced his Country in the Marine Corp. He enjoyed cooking and listening to Bob Dylan. Memorial donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or Heartland Hospice.