Robert C. Sherwood

Robert "Corky" Sherwood passed away peacefully in February at the age of 78, following a natural decline in health due to heart failure, just two years and two days after losing his beloved wife, Jan. Born and raised in California, Corky spent his early years in Dos Palos, Hanford, and Los Banos, with many of his childhood memories centered around his father's hardware store in Dos Palos, which also sold grain and seed, and later the family's grain, seed, and trucking business in Los Banos. Corky met his wife Jan while living in Hanford, and the two were married shortly after Corky's return from his service in the US Marines during the Vietnam War. Together, they raised two sons, Jonathan (Dallas, TX) and Stephen (Los Banos), all while successfully running the RC Sherwood Grain Company for nearly 50 years. Corky's passion for the grain and seed business was deeply rooted in the lessons he learned from his late father. In addition to his work, Corky had a love for flying. He earned his private pilot's license and instrument rating, and for over thirty years enjoyed flying his Cessna 182. When not working, Corky and Jan cherished time at their mountain home in Mi Wuk Village, wh...[more]

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Corky found peace in the simplicity of outdoor tasks, like raking pine needles, painting, and chopping wood. A history enthusiast, especially of European history and the World Wars, Corky traveled the world with Jan, visiting over 35 countries. Corky's integrity, loyalty, intelligence, and passion earned him the respect and admiration of family, friends, and customers alike. Corky is survived by his sons Jonathan and Stephen, his sister Diane, and his brothers Joseph (Jack) and Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvain and Diane. He is also mourned by his extended family, including Lance, Sonia, Stephen II, Justin, Cindy, Jerry, John, Sue, Charlene, and his four Great Pyrenees dogs (Moose, Clover, Husky and Sparky). Corky was proud to support various charities, including the Future Farmers of America, Ducks Unlimited, the Los Banos VFW Flag Service Program, and the Valley Children's Healthcare Children's Fund. An outdoor celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Mission De Oro in Santa Nella. His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony for his family at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, with military honors in recognition of his service in the US Marines.