Kenneth Ray Sherwood

Kenneth grew up in Abilene, Texas the youngest of four children and graduated from Abilene High School in 1958. After attending high school he went to work for West Texas Utilities in Abilene as a utility lineman. While working at WTU, Kenneth completed his B.B.A. at Hardin-Simmons University, enabling him to progress to the position of Fleet Supervisor, which he held until his retirement after 41 years of dedicated service. In 1959 Kenneth also answered the call to serve his country when he joined the USMC Reserves where he held the rank of Sergeant in the 5th Motor Transport Maintenance Company as an instructor, until his discharge in 1966.

Kenneth married Jewel Faye Turner, his wife of more than 48 years, on August 18, 1962. The couple made their home in Abilene where they raised their three children and where he pursued his hobby of working with his hands. Whether it was building his own home or rebuilding cars in his workshop behind his house, this was a passion he developed while in high school and would carry with him until his passing.

Upon his retirement, Kenneth and Jewel moved outside of Abilene to enjoy their shared dream of rural farm living. While there, he enjoyed building a second home, raising cattle and goats, working on farm equipment and helping neighbors while being part of the community.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roy Sherwood and his sister Martha Bird. He is survived by his wife Jewel Sherwood; daughters Cristie Sherwood and Lisa Sherwood; son Matt Sherwood and wife Julie; granddaughters Kate and Caroline Sherwood. He is also survived by his sister Alice Bruner and husband Jerry, along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00a.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with Reverend Billy Oliver officiating. Interment to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers are to be Matt Sherwood and Mark Morrow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79605.