Robert J Sherwood

Born December 24, 1929 in Waterloo, IA to Lawrence Elmer and Cylinda Caroline (Herbsleb) Sherwood, he married Mary K. Farling on Mar. 26, 1955 in Henry. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Teresa K. Sherwood of Creve Coeur; one son, David J. (Jane) Sherwood of Washington; three grandchildren, Amanda H. (Troy) Gard-Beal of San Antonio, TX, Dakota J. Sherwood and Madison N. Sherwood, both of Washington and two great-grandchildren, Nicolas G. Gard and Gianna D. Beal. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Darah L. Sherwood; one brother, Russell Sherwood and two sisters, Margaret Kupferschmid and Marlyn Pollitt.

He proudly served in the United States Army from 1948 to 1952 in Germany during the Korean War.

Robert retired in 1995 from Central Manufacturing in Groveland. He previously had worked for Caterpillar, Mid-County Grade School in Varna, Varna Auto Group, MH Equipment in Peoria, Loomis Armored and for the Marquette Heights Police Department.

In retirement, he and his wife served as music therapists for 20 years in nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals and in churches. He was a fantastic harmonica player and his gift was repairing just about anything. He enjoyed working on clocks in particular.

A member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, he was a great churchman and helped lead worship with his harmonica.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. Rev. W. Lloyd Brock will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene Target 2015 Building Fund, 3514 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com