SPARTA – Sherwood Craig “Shade-Tree” Burns, 91, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Sparta Community Hospital, Sparta, IL.

Sherwood was born on January 20, 1935, in Sparta, IL, to Miller and Nola (McCulley) Burns. He married Barbara Pyatt on April 16, 1955, in Pinckneyville, IL. Barbara preceded him in death on May 20, 2012. Sherwood was a farmer and Pressman at World Color Press in Sparta, IL. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sparta, IL, Sparta Lions Club/Randolph County Fair, Illinois Hereford Association – Lifetime member, inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame, and was President of IAF in 1979. Sherwood was an avid Sparta Bulldog Basketball fan.

Sherwood is survived by his children: Sherry (Bryant) Drury of San Antonio, TX, Kent (Barbara) Burns of Coulterville, IL, Kay (Michael) Hathaway of Steeleville, IL; he grandchildren: Rebecca (Adam) Rabel, Benjamin (Brenna) Drury, Jamie (Brian) Schoenbeck, Julie (Edward) Draper, Katie (Andy) Miller, Kelby (Sarah) Burns; his great grandchildren: Alden, Hollis and Maeve Drury, Kaitlin Schoenbeck, Jade, Ralph, Kale Draper and soon to be Baby Burns.

Sherwood was preceded by his parents, 3 sisters: Thelma Campbell, Maxine Powell and Cecilia Ross; 3 brothers: Prentiss “Jr” Burns, James Burns and an Infant Brother.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, 11:00 am, at First United Methodist Church, Sparta, IL, with Pastor Jeremy Volkmar officiating. Burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Visitation will be Monday morning, May 25, 2026, where friends may call from 8:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels, Sparta Senior Citizens or First United Methodist Church, Sparta, and can be mail to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.