Douglas Norman Sherrard

Douglas Norman Sherrard was born in Trenton, Michigan to Mark and Flossie Sherrard (nee LaBell) on September17, 1926 and passed away peacefully in Monroe, Michigan on June 3, 2024, at the age of 97.

Doug was born and raised, met and married his loving wife Jessie, worked most of his career, and raised his family in Trenton, the city he loved and always considered his home. He was a remarkable man in many regards. He graduated high school at age sixteen after being promoted ahead two grades. Despite his short stature and young age, he excelled on the football field playing all four years. His coach nicknamed him “Brute” proving that a little guy had to be twice as tough to compete in that sport.

While he was in high school during World War II, Doug had an intense desire to serve, so upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. When he turned 18, he was inducted and soon was selected for pilot training. This was a great

source of pride for Doug as he always had a passion for aviation. Before he was deployed overseas, though, the war ended. He spent the remainder of his military career stateside and was honorably discharged. However, his passion for aviation never

ended. He flew every chance he could as a civilian and had a special interest in flying “gliders”. He was also an accomplished builder and pilot of radio-controlled model airplanes.

After he returned from his military service, he attended Wayne State University, then began his career at McLouth Steel in Trenton. He worked there for 33 years, retiring in 1981 as superintendent of the hot metal department. He then was hired by J. E. Baker as a salesman and technical consultant for refractory materials traveling to steel mills all over the United States.

When he retired again at age 74, he and Jessie purchased a vacation home on Vineyard Lake. They spent many joyful years boating, fishing, visiting with friends and neighbors, and welcoming family and friends for fun filled visits. Throughout the years Doug was a fervent hobbyist, racing hydroplanes as a young man, engaging in aviation of all types, restoring his prize 1963 Corvette, crafting Tiffany lamps, collecting antiques, and doing a wide range of home improvement projects. We always regarded him as a “Renaissance Man”.

Above all, Doug had a deep loyalty and love for his family. He will always be remembered by his family as a devoted loving husband, a strong selfless father, an energetic involved grandfather, and as a caring, doting GG. He will always hold a special place in their hearts, and they will miss him every day.

Doug is survived by his wife, best friend and love of his life, Jessie, his 2 sons Mark (Lisa), and Steve (Julie), grandchildren, Joshua (Melissa), Molly (David), Alison (Derek), Lauren (Mark), Joel (Sarah), Daniel (Sally), Abbey (Nimrod), Mitchell, and Morgan, and his great-grandchildren Liam, Ruby, Phoebe, Jon, Douglas, Remy, James, Theo, Joseph, Jack, Desmond, Luke, Lucy, Paz, and Shelby. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Gwen, and brother, Henry.

Visitation for Douglas will be Monday, June 10 th from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at Martenson Funeral Home, 3200 West Rd., Trenton, Michigan. Service will be held at Martenson Funeral Home on June 11 th at 12:00 pm. The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to IHM Senior Living Community, Monroe, Michigan.