John Sherman Webb

John Sherman Webb of Poplar Bluff passed away, at his home, on November 21, 2025, at the age of 99. Known as Sherman to all, he was born January 4th, 1926, in Qulin, MO to John and Mae Webb.

Sherman wore many hats during his lifetime. He served in the United States Navy from 1943-1944. During his service, he was a gunner and an electrician. While serving in the Navy, Thelma saved up her money and purchased their first 40 acres of farmland. When he returned home from WWII, he became a farmer and was a life-long farmer in Butler County growing row crops and raising hogs until he retired.

He served on the Twin Rivers School Board during the reorganization in 1967 for seven years and was President most of those years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Inter River Drainage District for five years; 4 of those years he was President. He was later chosen by the Butler County Courts to serve on the MAG Board in Poplar Bluff. He served on the St Francis River Flood Control Association Board. He served on the Ozark Border Electric Cooperative Board for 12 years; 7 of those years he was President. He was active in the AAM (American Agriculture Movement). In 1973, he testified before the House of Representatives, Agriculture Committee and Congress for the Rice Legislation bill. He witnessed the signing of the Peace Treaty with Japan. He also traveled to Belize (1965) and Trinidad (1982) for exploring farming opportunities.

He was also a member of Lone Prairie General Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon. Then, he served as song leader of Osborn General Baptist Church, and recently was a member of Ash Hill General Baptist Church in Fisk, MO.

He was an avid lover of blue grass and gospel music. He also loved to travel and often let the grandkids tag along. Many trips to Disney World were made. His greatest joy was his family, especially all his grandchildren. He also wrote a book about his life.

In 1942, he met the love of his life, Thelma Drew and they were united in marriage on July 13th, 1943, and were married for 72 years, until her passing on August 14th, 2015. Together, they had three children, Johnny (Beth) Webb, Stanley (Joyce) Webb and Jan (Sam) Gill; 10 grandchildren, Sandy (Danny) Cunningham, John (Alicia) Webb, Kenny Webb, Jessica (Brian) Love, Jennifer(Blake) Thomas, Brooke Gill, Casey Gill, Chad (Kristen) Gill, Todd (Lindsey) Gill, and Tonya Uelsmann; 20 great grandchildren, Matthew Cunningham, Katie & Haley Webb, Erica (Kyle) Nekoloff, Hayden Thomas, Drew Love (Ethan), Reagan, Lily & Taryn Thomas, Grant, Stella & Beau Gill, Jackson & Julieanne Gill, Chase, Addelyn & Drew Gill, and Brock, Ava and Blade Uelsmann; and two great-great grandchildren, Carter & Landon Nekoloff. He also had a special friend, Anita McCrory.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Mae Webb; wife, Thelma Webb; and son and daughter in law, Johnny and Beth Webb.

Visitation will be held at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services on Sunday, November 23rd, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00pm with Pastor Gary Hancock officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of John Sherman Webb. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com