Donald Frank Sherrod

Donald Frank (Don) Sherrod died Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Meadow Winds Assisted Living, where he had resided for the past year. Before moving to Casper, he made his home for almost 50 years in Saratoga, Wyoming. His passing at the age of 85 brought to a close a lifetime of service.

Don was born Sept. 9, 1938, in Green River, Wyoming, to Frank Leroy and Gladys Belle Sherrod. At the tender age of 17 and just after graduating from Green River High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing his three-year enlistment, he returned to Green River where he soon joined the Green River Police Department. In 1963 he began a 23-year career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, a job that took him to Cheyenne, Rawlins, Jackson and finally Saratoga.

It was in Rawlins he met and married his wife, Carol. The were married Nov. 27, 1965, and just before his death, they had celebrated 58 years together. Their two daughters, Kate and Kris, were both born while they were in Jackson.

His law enforcement career reached its peak in 1986, when he was elected Sheriff of Carbon County. After serving his term in the sheriff's office he began a new career when he was appointed to the position of Saratoga Municipal Judge by three consecutive mayors. At this time he also worked as bus driver for the Saratoga schools.

Along the way, Don was also a Saratoga Volunteer Fireman for 10 years, including serving as president of the organization, and was appointed to the Saratoga Town Council to finish an incomplete term.

Don also is a past president of the Carbon County Peace Officers and a former member of the Wyoming and National Sheriffs' Association, Cowboy Joe Club, Saratoga Booster Club, American Trap Shooting Association, Saratoga Gun Club and Saratoga Lions Club. Don was also a volunteer assistant football coach at Saratoga High School for some time.

Don was a 32nd degree Mason in Saratoga's Lodge No. 14 and past Associate Guardian of Saratoga Job's Daughters Bethel 30.

He loved the outdoors, spending many happy hours camping, hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He was always there to help his friends and neighbors, a giant of a man with a booming voice, which could be stern and imposing when necessary, but generally rich with laughter and love. There are few events in Saratoga's busy calendar that didn't see him coming early and staying late to help with set up, errands or clean-up, and fewer volunteer organizations that didn't benefit from his assistance, whether he was an official member or not.

Don is survived by his wife, Carol, who lives at Meadow Winds in Casper; daughters Kate and Kris Sherrrod, also of Casper; nephews Rick (Suzanne) and Ken Fox of Green River, grand nephew Logan Fox of Sheridan, niece Monica (David) Sackuvich and their children, and others. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers, and a nephew.

No services are planned at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held next summer in Saratoga. Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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