Howard was born June 5,1936 to Milo J. Sherwood and Ella Beatrice (Huffine) Sherwood. He married met his late wife of 50 years Nancy J. Leslie, and the two married on December 14,1963 in Mason, Michigan.
He started with Fisher Body in 1954 and worked there for 41 years. He worked in the body shop, paint shop, on the line and later as an intermittent relief man. Howard never missed work and rarely ever had a sick day. He was awarded achievements for his hard work and commitment.
Howard was baptized at Mason First Church of the Nazarene in 1982. He then served at Mason First in a variety of ministries. His favorites were as a front door greeter, men’s prayer breakfast, Snowball Volleyball concessions and most of all the funeral dinner ministry. He loved serving families and friends during times of need. He was the first to plow a driveway or deliver a load of firewood. He also belonged to the All-Color Tractor Club where he loved potluck dinners and shared his love for tractors. Howard was known for the ability to fix anything. He could time an engine by ear and was sought out by family, friends and even other mechanics on how to solve the impossible when it came to engines.
He was born in his parent’s home at 180 S. Diamond Road, Mason, Michigan. He never moved outside of Mason. In 1969 he then built his home on the family farm pasture. He lived there until the day he passed to heaven.
Howard loved tractors. He had a gift to repair and fix anything. He loved to camp and explore Michigan. His favorite Thursday night was watching Michigan Out-of-Doors. He also had a spirit of kindness and loved to make people smile and laugh. If you were having a bad day, he would make you smile and feel loved and wanted regardless of circumstances. He had a gift of conversation. He loved people and loved to talk with people about anything they wanted to share. If it was about a tractor, you could count on a lifelong friendship. He loved his church family. He loved Sunday mornings with his family.
Howard is survived by his children John (Phyllis) Sherwood, Betty Sherwood Miller (spouse of deceased son Paul), Diane Goble, Carole Pierce, Cynthia (Thomas) Richey; grandchildren Jason Scott, Brett Scott, Mollie (Mike) Hanley, Tameeca (Dustin) Mahlich, Joseph (Abby) Sherwood, Torrey Pierce, Travis Pierce, Ellie (Tyler) Cater; great-grandchildren Keira Mahlich, Milo Sherwood, Penny Mahlich, Owen Sherwood, Niklaus Pierce, Ella Hanley, Paul Cater; brother-in-law(s) Richard Kehres, Kyle (Laura) Leslie, Jim Leslie; and many nieces and nephews.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents Ella Beatrice (Huffine) Sherwood and Milo J. Sherwood; his wife of 50 years Nancy Jean Sherwood; siblings Evelyn (Gail) Every, Janice (Walter) Clark, Barbara Kehres, Mona (Dick) Herrick; sister-in-law Julie Leslie; and his son: Paul Howard Sherwood
A public service will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mason First Church of the Nazarene at 415 E. Maple Street, Mason, Michigan 48854. Visitation is Monday, October 21, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Mason First Church of the Nazarene at 415 E. Maple Street, Mason, Michigan 48854.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter at 600 Buhl Street, Mason, Michigan 48854.
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