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Harold Albert "Al" Sherline 1925 - 2019
Mattoon, IL—Mattoon, IL – Harold Albert "Al" Sherline, returned to his heavenly home on January 9, 2019, surrounded by his family. His devotion to his family and hisfirm belief in God supported him and ultimately brought him peace.
Al was born to the late Herman M. Sherline and Margaret Bisset in Brooklyn, NY, on July 8, 1925. He grew up in Bethesda, Maryland playing sports and helping his mother garden. He was the youngest of 3 children and was preceded in death by his siblings.
Al attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and excelled in both basketball and baseball. After high school heenlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 during WW II. He served one tour as a corporal in the South Pacific until 1946. After the war he attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 1954 with a Physical Education degree.
His first coaching position was with Eastern Junior High School in Silver Spring, MD, from 1952-54. He then moved to Illinois and coached and an administrator at Williamsville High School from 1954-1956, became Athletic Director and basketball coach at Taylorville High School from 1956-1962. During this time, he attended the University of Illinois and received his Master's Degree in Education in 1959. Al became head basketball coach at the newly opened Elgin Larkin High School and served there from 1962-1967.
Al was an educator at heart as he dedicated the next 31 years of his life to the Mattoon Area Adult Education Center beginning in 1967. He led a team of teachers that provided vocational skill training and GED equivalent degrees to help many area students find meaningful work. He became known as the "Father of Adult Education" throughout Illinois as he worked with multiple governors, legislators and insiders to gain financial support for adult education in Illinois. He received numerous education awards throughout his career including "Adult Educator of the Year" in 1973,he was appointed to the State Advisory Council Adult, Vocational and Technology Education,"The President's Award" in 1998, "Education is Key Award" in 1998. Finally, the State of Illinois declared "Al Sherline Day" when he retired in 1998 because of his years of work in adult education.
He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association of Coles County. He also attended the First Baptist Church of Mattoon. As part of "The Greatest Generation," Al will be missed.
Al is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Aileen, and survived by his daughters, Dixie McQuality (Rod) of Sherman, IL, Lori Coady (Tim) of Taylorville, IL; his son, Chuck Sherline (Michelle)of Chicago, IL; his grandchildren, Matt McQuality (Kelsey) of Avon, OH, Cara Kern (Nathaniel) of Chatham, IL, Tyler and Nathan Coady of Taylorville, IL, James and Sophia Sherline of Chicago, IL; and his great-grandchildren, Landon and Keegan McQuality of Avon, OH and Kinsley Kern of Chatham, IL. He is survived by a sister-in-law, Stephanie Sherline, of Virginia, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the First Baptist Church of Mattoon, with Reverend Dennis Strawn officiating. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the church at 12:00 p.m. He will be buried with military honors at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home in Mattoon is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mattoon First Baptist Church 804 S 9th St, Mattoon, IL 61938
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home Ltd..
5 Entries
Al Sherline was a man among men. I know that's a cliche, but he truly was. I grew up a couple of houses down from the Sherlines, and he and his family always welcomed me as a part of their family. He will be truly missed. Sincerest condolences.
Don Spencer
January 11, 2019
Dixie,
I am truly sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rita
Rita Tarr
January 11, 2019
Mr. Sherline was my basketball and baseball coach at Williamsville HS. I still lots of respect and fond memories of him.
Terry Henrikson
Terry Henrikson
January 11, 2019
Rest in Peace Marine. Semper Fi.
January 11, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
Z L
January 11, 2019
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