Homer Sherrill awarded Hometown Hero
HAMILTON, Ill. (KHQA) — With the help of Peters Heating and Air Conditioning and Hilbing Autobody, KHQA on Thursday had the opportunity to present a Hometown Hero award to a man who has dedicated his life to the betterment of his community.
At 95-years-old Homer Sherrill, of Hancock County, drives himself across the Keokuk-Hamilton bridge every day to have lunch with his wife of 74 years at her nursing home.
Over 50 years ago, this trip would have taken an extra 30 minutes if there was a barge coming– but thanks to Sherrill, the trip now only takes about 10 minutes in total.
Sherill was serving as mayor of Hamilton, as well as being a member of the Hancock County Board in 1969. According to him, they formed a committee called the Western Illinois Regional Council, which included six of the surrounding counties. Sherill was the representative for Hancock County.
“We decided the best thing that could happen to our area was a four-lane highway to bring traffic though," said Sherill. “Maybe then we could get some businesses and industries along the four-lane route, and it just so happened that the route from Chicago to Kansas City was right though here.”
Sherrill served as chairman for the council where he wrote a letter to the governors of both Illinois and Iowa. After two years of continuous letters, calls, and in-person meetings, they eventually received the funding needed.
Sherrill, who referred to himself as the typical bachelor, said “I’ve got a briefcase at home with letters from our [Illinois] governor, the Iowa governor, and the federal government approving the crossing and approving funding to help fund the bridge with the condition that it could not be a toll bridge. Had to be a free bridge for the government to pay for it.”
Sherrill was nominated for the award by Goldie franklin who met him by chance when Sherrill was going door-to-door trying to return a couple of dollars to someone.
“Nobody goes to return money. Nobody goes out to find somebody just to give them their $2 back,” said Franklin. Sherrill replied, “I do!”
Sherrill cited his father for teaching him lessons that he’s carried into adulthood.
Franklins’ nomination letter included many of Sherrill’s attributes to his community.
In 1963 he, along with eight other men, built the Veterans of Foreign Wars building, which stands in Hamilton, Illinois.
According to Franklin, Sherill is also the reason why the 155 MM Howitzer got placed in the Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. According to Sherrill it came all the way from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sherrill also cited his mother for naming him Homer to be the reason behind his love of writing.
He has five published poetry books that are available in libraries around the area. He also puts articles in the Daily Gate City newspaper every Friday called “Words of Inspiration by Homer Sherrill” and always includes one of his poems with it.
Sherrill says he “hopes his articles touch people in a positive way and give them hope and make them grateful for life and all life’s blessings.”
His dedication to his community has shaped his life and the lives of those who have come to know him, making Homer Sherrill a Hometown Hero.
