Long-time Cowley custodian dies

Neal Eugene Sherwood Jr., 58, and a 1963 graduate of Cowley, died Nov. 6, 2001, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita after a brief illness. Sherwood had been a member of Cowley’s custodial staff since June 20, 1988. His most recent responsibility was taking care of W.S. Scott Auditorium.

Athletic Director Tom Saia always called Sherwood “Neal Bob,” and he said the easy-going man would be missed. “I really liked ol’ Neal,” Saia said. “He was a great person to work with and to be around. This place won’t be the same without him.”

Sherwood was born June 28, 1943, the son of Neal E. and Edith (Hockenbury) Sherwood, in Arkansas City. He was reared in Silverdale, and attended Arkansas City High School, graduating in 1961. On June 17, 1967, he married Gloria Hernandez, and the couple made their home in Arkansas City. Sherwood worked for Rodeo Meats and Binney & Smith prior to coming to the college. Survivors are his wife of Arkansas City; one son, Jody E. Sherwood of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri; one daughter, Shawna K. Allison of Arkansas City; his father, Neal E. Sherwood Sr. of Branson, Mo.; one sister, Carol L. Tate of Rossville, Ga.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother. A memorial has been established to the Cowley County Community College General Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be made through Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 E. Kansas Ave., Arkansas City, or through the college’s Endowment Association.

Winter 2001