Leo Laurence Sherrodd, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on January 21, 2021, after months of failing health. He was 85 years old. His wife Charlotte was by his side.
Leo was born on August 31, 1935, the oldest of four boys, to Cleo and Ida Sherrodd at their home on the family’s farm in Pompey’s Pillar, Montana. After graduating high school in Warden, Montana, Leo went on to earn bachelor degrees in English and Industrial Arts Education at Rocky Mountain College, when he met and then married Charlotte (née Langeslag) in 1955. He continued on to earn a Master’s of Education at the University of Northern Colorado and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Montana. Thus began a long and storied career in education; serving as superintendent of several school districts in Montana before moving to Gillette, Wyoming. There he served as principal of Northside Elementary School.
Leo loved to work with wood and was a “jack of all trades.” He drew upon those skills to open Falcon Construction and Falcon Realty in Gillette, and built his family’s home himself. Leo will always be remembered as one to lend a hand to those less fortunate and could often be found offering odd jobs to those who were down on their luck.
An accomplished writer, Leo penned many short stories that were published in various publications and always had a book in his hand or a copy of Reader’s Digest.
Leo’s greatest joy was his family. The father of a daughter and four boys, he loved to take his family camping and often recreated at the family cabin in Keyhole State Park. He enjoyed hunting in the Bighorns with his boys, and was always ready to expound on the accomplishments of his many grandchildren of which he was very proud. He tried never to miss a family reunion.
Farming remained in Leo’s blood and he planted well over 1000 trees in his lifetime. He was fond of raising German shepherd dogs and could usually be found with a furry companion in his truck. He enjoyed going to auctions where he would secretly buy horses and cars and hide them from his wife, Charlotte. After retirement, Leo and Charlotte wintered in Yuma, Arizona for 20 years, spending summers in Gillette.
Leo came from a musical family and enjoyed entertaining everyone with his guitar, banjo and his memorable voice; jamming with friends and singing in choirs.
Leo is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Gale and Gary Sherrodd, son Patrick Sherrodd, and granddaughter Katie Howell.
He is survived by his wife Charlotte Sherrodd, his brother Larry Sherrodd, daughter and son-in-law Sheri and Harry Howell, daughter-in-law Sandy Sherrodd, son and daughter-in-law Lowell and Kim Sherrodd, son and daughter-in-law Mark and Lisa Sherrodd, son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Stephanie Sherrodd and grandchildren Cody, Dillon, Bridger, Jennifer, Kristin, Lora, Kayla, Fisher and Saylor.
Leo will be cremated with the scattering of ashes at the family farm which borders the Yellowstone River. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Your condolences may be sent to: Charlotte Sherrodd, Primrose Retirement Center, 921 Mountain Meadow Lane, Gillette Wy. 82716
