John G. "Big John" Sherwood, 78, died Oct. 8, 2013, at his home in Hutchinson, with his devoted caregivers Kathy and Mike with him. He was born June 25, 1935, in Lansing, Mich., to Franklin and Geraldine L. (Smith) Sherwood.

John was a Chief Petty Officer and aviation machinist for the United States Navy. After retiring from the Navy he went to work for Wells Aircraft and Poltera Implements John Deere dealer. When John Deere closed he went to work for KDOT until he retired in 1997. He was an avid John Deere supporter and collector. John also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and would restore lawn mowers.

On March 15, 1958, he married Doris Janice Carroll in Hutchinson. She died Nov. 10, 1993. On Feb. 6, 2002, he married Louise Rojean Basore in Las Vegas. She died Dec. 11, 2010. John is survived by: children, Pam Tuxhorn and husband Ed, Kathy Baker and husband Mike, Connie Romesburg and husband Fred, Doug Sherwood and wife Dawn, all of Hutchinson; sister, Bonnie Lee Roe of Taylor, Mich.; stepson, Tom Basore and wife Gayle of Newton; step son-in-law, Ron McFeeters of Hutchinson; six grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; half brother, Raymond Smith; and stepdaughter, Cindy McFeeters.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Luke Helmuth officiating. Inurnment will be in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with military graveside honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with family to receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.