Dates
Gene Allen Sherrod, M.D., age 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love on May 11, 2026.
Gene was born on August 19, 1940, in Monahans, Texas. He graduated from Bronte High School in Bronte, Texas, in 1958 before moving to Austin to attend The University of Texas, where he pursued his lifelong calling in medicine and earned his medical degree in 1966.
Following medical school, Dr. Sherrod attended the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base. He then proudly served his country in Vietnam as a Captain and flight surgeon in the United States Air Force until 1967. His service reflected both his dedication to medicine and his commitment to caring for others under extraordinary circumstances.
After returning from Vietnam, Dr. Sherrod continued his medical training with a residency at the City of Memphis Hospital, followed by a Cardiologist Fellowship in Indianapolis. In 1973, he moved to San Angelo, Texas, where he became the second cardiologist to practice at Shannon Medical Center. Over the course of more than four decades, he built a respected career caring for countless patients throughout the Concho Valley and surrounding communities. He remained devoted to the practice of medicine until his retirement at the end of 2014.
Outside of medicine, Gene had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors. He was happiest either fishing in Port Mansfield with his son Matt, and friends Lannie, Judy, and Tom, or spending time at the clay bird range. Sporting clays became one of his greatest passions, and through years of dedication and skill, he earned recognition as a National Champion in Sporting Clays for many years.
Besides being a National Champion, Gene was also a pilot, master diver, Hall of Fame shooter, and the founding member of the Never Had a Cavity Club.
Of all his accomplishments, Gene considered his greatest to be his children: Malia, Matt, and Anne Michelle. He took his role as a father seriously and never missed an event or an opportunity to be involved in their lives. His unwavering support, presence, and love shaped the lives of his children and remained one of the defining joys of his life.
In 2008, Gene met the love of his life, Susan, who became the missing piece to his puzzle. They married in 2010, blending two families into one large and loving family. Together, Gene and Susan shared a love for travel and adventure, with Nimmo Bay holding a special place among their favorite destinations and memories together.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Lois Sherrod; his best friend, mentor, and fellow Scotch connoisseur, Dr. Gus Eckhardt; his godparents, Marvin and Snookie Landers; father-in-law Dick Rittman; brother-in-law Bob Colby; and his niece, Sherry Ham.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Sherrod; his children, Malia Sherrod (Jordan and Mikey), Matt Sherrod, Anne Michelle and Andrew Eppes (Cora Jean and Drew), Sarah and Jon Lamb (Hudson and Harris), and Julie and Jarrett Eledge (Finleigh and Fischer); his sister and brother-in-law, Sissy and Bub Burson; his nieces and nephew, Pam, Vicki, and Gary, along with their families; mother-in-law, Betty Rittman, sisters-in-law Cheri Colby, Retta Smith, Mary Thompson (Brian), and Beth Henderson (Dr. Todd), as well as many nieces and nephews; and dear friends Kirk Cleere, Lannie and Judy McGaughey, Mike Cornell, and Merrill Varien.
Dr. Sherrod’s life was marked by service, perseverance, and a deep love for family, friends, and the outdoors. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in medicine, but also for the joy he found in time spent with those he loved most.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Shannon Care at Home, especially Maria Saucedo, Tonya Camarillo, and Aliyah Payne who became a cherished part of the family through their compassion and care.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Grace Christian Church at 1:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center or Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital.