David Sherod

David William Sherod, 81, of Kilbourne, IA passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at his home on the farm, surrounded by his family. As were Dave's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with words of comfort by Larry Shipley. Burial will be in the Kilbourne Cemetery immediately following. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the funeral home and will last until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Dave's honor may be directed to the Kilbourne Cemetery Association and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

David William Sherod entered this life on April 27, 1944, in Akron, OH, the son of William and Beryl Strait Sherod. When Dave was young, they returned to the family farm in rural Van Buren County. He went to country school in Kilbourne before graduating with the Van Buren High School Class of 1961. He went on to further his education at the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in biology, a Master of Science in Botany, and then completed his Doctorate in Biochemistry in 1972. While there he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. During this period, Dave was not only focused on completing his education, but he was also embracing the new and rewarding role of fatherhood with the arrival of his first son, Alec.

Dave returned to Kilbourne and the family farm in 1976 where he raised his family and continued the legacy of Sherod Farms. He grew the farming operation of row crop and cattle eventually adding another generation to the family farm when he was joined by his sons Ben and Spencer. He poured his life into the farm, his family and his community. Dave spent many years on the board at the Van Buren County Hospital as well as serving the Kilbourne Cemetery Association. As time passed, he continued to be active on the farm but enjoyed watching his sons take over the operation. He was always up for a parts run and never missed an opportunity to pick up the grandkids or attend their events.

In his early years he enjoyed riding motorcycles and played in the local slow pitch softball league. In his later years he enjoyed the simple things in life like ice cream from Misty's, chicken from Mt. Hamill Tap, or a trip to the Catfish Place. His most valued time was spent with family. Dave was born, raised, died and will be laid to rest where he always wanted to be, near family, on the farm.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Constance "Connie" Chase.

Left to share his story are his three sons, Alec Sherod of Minnetonka, MN, Ben (Ashley) Sherod, and Spencer Sherod both of rural Birmingham, IA; five grandchildren, Samuel Sherod (Lillian Simar), William Sherod, Olivia Sherod, Bailey Sherod, and Masyn Sherod; stepdaughter, Abilene (Scott) Mast and their children, Elena and Case; close family friend and employee of over 40 years, Terry Hervey; as well as many extended family and friends.