Homer Lee Sherrill

1927 - 2025

Homer Lee Sherrill, 98, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on Sept. 16, 2025, at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

He was born on Aug. 1, 1927, in Hamilton, Illinois, the son of James and Lila Sherrill. He was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Hamilton, where he developed a strong faith that remained with him throughout his life.

Homer graduated from Hamilton High School, where he was active in sports and especially passionate about music. He was a proud drummer in the marching band-a love that continued throughout his life.

During World War II, Homer was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in Germany near the close of the war. After returning home, he married Dorothy Harsch of Nauvoo, Illinois, on Oct. 17, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church in Nauvoo.

Homer spent over 30 years working for Union Electric, primarily as an electrician at the Keokuk power plant. He also worked on the substation and line crews.

Homer was active in public life. He served as Mayor of Hamilton from 1968 to 1972 and played a key role in helping bring the Mississippi River bridge between Hamilton and Keokuk. He also served as Chairman of the Western Illinois Regional Council and was a member of the Hancock County Board for four years.

A proud veteran, Homer was Commander of the American Legion Post for 18 years. He was also a certified Range Officer with the NRA and taught hunter safety to hundreds of young people over several decades.

Music and poetry remained lifelong passions. Homer was a member of the Keokuk Municipal Band and MacNamara's Band for more than 60 years.

Homer is preceded in death by his loving wife and mother of four -Dorothy.

He is survived by his first son Neal L. Sherrill and his wife, Patti (Grand Junction, Colorado) with 3 grandchildren: Carrie Bechtel (nee Sherrill); Andrew Sherrill; Adrian Sherrill, and 8 great grandchildren: Nolan Sherrill, Michael Bechtel, Camden Sherrill, Jonah Sherrill, Jada Sherrill, Grant Bechtel, Annabel Sherrill, and Jake Sherrill:

By his second son James P. Sherrill and his wife, Rhonda (Morton, Illinois) with 1 grand child, Nicholas Sherrill and 2 great grandchildren: Owen Sherrill, and Mylo Sherrill

By his third son David J. Sherrill and his wife, Sharon (Bethalto, Illinois) with 3 grandchildren: Christopher Sherrill, Elizabeth Womble (nee Sherrill), and Logan Sherrill, and 3 great grandchildren: Joseph Sherrill, Abigail Stroud (nee Sherrill), and Jacob Sherrill, and 1 great-great grandchild Bonnie Lou Stroud.

And by his daughter Connie Adams (nee Sherrill) (Fruita, Colorado) with 3 grandchildren: Victoria Gunyan (nee Gehle), Nathan Gehle, and Ellie Adams, and 4 great grandchildren: Palmer Gunyan, Rogan Gunyan, and Victoria (Tori) Gehle, and Connor Gehle.

The visitation for Homer Lee Sherrill will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 from 9-11 a.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1421 Broadway Street, Hamilton, Illinois. The funeral service will be held from 11 a.m. until noon also at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1421 Broadway Street, Hamilton, Illinois.

The burial will immediately follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Hamilton, Illinois.