Sherman Earl Willard

Sherman Earl Willard, age 89 died peacefully December 20, 2025 in his home, surrounded by loved ones in Harrisville, Utah. He was born March 11, 1936 in Ogden, Utah to Earl Spencer Willard and Ruth Gardner Willard. Sherm is the oldest of nine children. They are all still living except one sister who was stillborn. Paul (Hazel), Cal (Mari, deceased), Parry (Linda), Robert (Karren) Randy (Penny), Kevin (Vicki), Teressa (Robert Loris).

Sherm spent his earliest years in Liberty, Utah. He also lived in Marriott, Ogden, and Harrisville. He graduated from Weber High School in 1954. In 1958, Sherm joined the United States Army Reserves for five years. He was honorably discharged. He married Donna May Gibbs on September 19, 1958 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they raised six children who were all their favorites. Jodi Lund, Pamela Frecker (Kent), Mark Willard, Nancy Willard, Gina Backman, and Jenny Durrant. He was also blessed with nineteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren.

Sherm was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various callings. Being a scout leader was one of his favorites, especially going on hikes and adventures. Sherm was fortunate to live a full adventurous life. He loved his many trips with his family and friends. He enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. He was a member of the Desert Rats, who loved to jeep and explore. They got into a lot of sticky situations. He loved taking the roads less traveled and knew practically every road in Utah and Eastern Idaho. He enjoyed showing others those roads when he could, and sharing his knowledge and passion of those areas. He was a great story teller and had a great memory for details.

Sherm was a ping pong champ, excellent at croquet, horseshoes, an ace at cards, and a great dancer. Sometimes he would perform silly acts for his family, ward functions, assisted living residents, or for veterans. He would entertain with "Rindercella," "Long Tall Texan," "It's Got to Be You," and "I'm My Own Grandpa," among other songs. He also enjoyed being in stake plays. He enjoyed sports, both as a participant and spectator. He spent a lot of time perfecting his garden and found joy in sharing his produce.

Sherm worked at J.G. Read Brothers. He was a co-owner of Read's Tires, and also Read's Leather and Canvas. Later he worked at Smith And Edwards where he retired after 30 plus years.

Many thanks to wonderful friends, neighbors, and for the Applegate Hospice team that provided exceptional care for him the last leg of his life.

Sherm was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Donna, daughter Jodi, son Mark, and son-in-law Kent.

A viewing will be held January 2, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah. Funeral services will be held January 3, 2026 at the Harrisville 3rd Ward building, 435 West Harrisville Road, Harrisville, Utah, with a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45, and funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Ogden City Cemetery located at 20th and Madison Avenue, Ogden, Utah

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden. Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared with the family on Sherm's obituary page at myers-mortuary.com

Happy trails.