Mr. Sherwood DeForest

Sherwood “De” Searle DeForest died January 15, 2024, after 102 years as an agricultural engineer, farmer, and loving father and husband. Sherwood was born in Ames, Iowa, on September 20, 1921, to Frank Ray and Clara Maud Searle DeForest. When the time came for Sherwood to choose a college, he returned to Ames to study agricultural engineering at the alma mater for both of his parents, Iowa State University. Sherwood joined the Army Air Corp during WWII. His service included working as a maintenance engineer on the B-26 bombers used to train the Free French flight crews, and training as a flight engineer for B-29 bombers. Sherwood met his wife-to-be, Virginia “Ginny” Mary Flynn, at a welcome home party at the conclusion of the war. Ginny and Sherwood started their life together by returning to Ames so that Sherwood could study for a master’s degree. Sherwood began his career as an Iowa State extension agent working with farmers to improve efficiency, and then became an editor for the magazine, Successful Farming. He and Ginny designed and built both of their houses. He also was licensed as a Professional Engineer. In 1960, he moved his growing family to Pittsburgh, PA, to take a position developing agricultural products with U.S. Steel. During this period, Sherwood obtained a patent for a new fencing machine, and had a farm. When Sherwood and Ginny decided to retire in 1992, they moved to Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, FL. Sherwood continued his passions for writing, photography and golf during his retirement by contributing to the local newspaper, editing the WO newsletter, and honing his putting on the WO putting green. Sherwood was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ginny; his brother Jack DeForest; his sister Frances Rae Cowen; and his son David Flynn DeForest. He is survived by his children Debra Granato, Denise DeForest, and Kimberly Durrett; his grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Granato, Danielle Granato, Wayne (Jill) Durrett, and Christopher Durrett; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends. A final committal will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Donations can be made to the American Association of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085, in Sherwood’s name to support Iowa State University agricultural engineering students.

Mr. Sherwood DeForest

September 20, 1921 - January 15, 2024