Stuart Allen Sherfick Sr.

We celebrate the life of Stuart Allen Sherfick Sr., who entered Heaven on September 6, 2024. Born on May 14, 1937, in New Albany, Indiana, Stuart was the beloved son of Lillie Clarice (née McDonald) and Loland Harold Sherfick Sr.
After graduating from New Albany High School in 1955, Stuart embarked on a journey of service and adventure by joining the United States Navy. He served proudly aboard the USS Coral Sea, forming bonds and experiences that would stay with him for a lifetime.
Following his honorable service in the Navy, Stuart dedicated 24 years of his career to working at NSWC Crane, where he traveled extensively across the country and the world. His expertise in sonar systems led him to work on a wide array of Navy vessels, contributing to the safety and success of countless missions.
After retiring from NSWC Crane, Stuart continued to serve his community by working for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and for CFC, where he became a familiar face in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. Stuart took great pride in putting up the Christmas lights each year, often finding himself featured in the local paper for his efforts.
Stuart was a lifelong Amateur Radio operator, known by his call sign W9HRZ, and he put his skills to use by assisting with communications for the Hilly Hundred and the Touring Ride in Rural Indiana (TRIRI) bicycle rides. During the Christmas season, residents of Spencer and travelers on Highway 46 would see the large antenna tower next to his house decorated with Christmas lights, visible from a distance and becoming a beloved local sight.
He also supported and volunteered for the Friends of McCormick's Creek State Park, where he could often be found hiking his favorite trail, Trail 9. While on the trail, Stuart would be on the lookout for persimmon, pawpaw, and walnut trees. He was especially proud of a walnut tree that once stood near his house in Spencer, which produced over 6,000 walnuts in a single year-each one counted by Stuart himself.
Stuart spent the overwhelming majority of his life surrounded by dogs, particularly beagle and basset hounds, who brought him endless joy and companionship. His love for animals was evident throughout his life and in his volunteer work at McCormick's Creek State Park, where he helped train rescue dogs.
In a surprising twist at age 76, with very little acting experience, Stuart was offered the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Spencer Community Theater's musical presentation of A Christmas Carol. It was a sweet redemption after missing the chance to play Scrooge in the 5th grade, and Stuart embraced the role with joy and enthusiasm.
While living in Owensburg, Indiana, Stuart coached Pony and Little League baseball for Eastern Greene, proudly coaching both the Giants and the Braves while his son Wade played on the teams. His love for his community and family was evident in the time he devoted to supporting local sports and mentoring young athletes.
His two sons often say they were raised on Bob Knight, Elvis Presley, and Jesus-a testament to the strong influences in Stuart's life. Stuart was a passionate fan of Indiana University sports, especially football and basketball, and he loved following his beloved Hoosiers.
Stuart also had a deep admiration for Elvis Presley, attending five of his concerts during the 1970s. His love for music, especially the King of Rock and Roll, was a significant part of his life.
Stuart had a special love for cars, particularly Corvairs and Toyota MR2s, and he especially enjoyed driving with the top down, feeling the wind in his hair and the sun on his face.
Stuart lived a full and vibrant life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. While living in Owensburg and attending Owensburg Baptist Church, Stuart served as a Sunday School teacher and regularly gave object lessons during Sunday evening services, sharing his faith in meaningful and impactful ways. He was also a cherished member of the Spencer United Methodist Church and a beloved figure in his community.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Irma Jean; his older brother, Loland Harold Sherfick Jr. (Gloria); his two sons, Stuart Allen Sherfick Jr. (Robin) and Wade Sherfick (Sandy); and the mother of his sons, Brenda Cook (John). He was a loving grandfather to Victoria Lou Matlock, Zachery Allen Sherfick (Katie), and Sage Hilan Sherfick (fiancé Brandon), and a proud great-grandfather to Samantha, Emily, Olivia, Damien, and Violet.
Stuart's family extended beyond blood, and he found great joy in the love and companionship of Irma Jean's family: Kelly Franklin (Lana), Diane Stutsman (Bret), Allan Franklin (Rod), Tyler Stutsman (Kassie), Stephanie Sutherland (Evan), Kaden, and Asher.
Stuart will be remembered for his boundless generosity, his passion for Amateur Radio, Indiana University sports, his love for Elvis Presley, and his deep faith. His life was a testament to love, service, and the joy of connecting with others.
A service to celebrate Stuart's life will be held at West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home, 105 N. Montgomery St., Spencer, Indiana 47460 on September 11, 2024, at 2pm, with a viewing from 10am to 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Owen County Indiana Humane Society, a cause he deeply cared about.
While we will miss his presence, Stuart's legacy of love and kindness will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his spirit find eternal peace.
West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to the family at westparrishpedigo.com