08/11/2026
DR. LLOYD BRUCE SHERROD
Dr. Lloyd Bruce Sherrod, 95, of Panhandle, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2026, in Amarillo, leaving behind a lasting legacy and wonderful memories for all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug.13, at First Methodist Church in Panhandle.
Lloyd was born March 5, 1931, on the family farm in Sherman County, Kan., to Charles and Helen (Dye) Sherrod. He was the second of six children.
At the age of four, Lloyd began attending a country school where grades one through eight were taught in a one-room schoolhouse. It was the Depression, a time when, as Lloyd would say, “you didn’t know any different.” Growing up on a farm during those years taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and saving every cent he earned. He began working on the family farm and for neighboring farmers at the age of eight.
After graduating from Goodland High School, Lloyd and several friends set out on an adventure with $16 and a tank of gas. They traveled through the Pacific Northwest, California, and Arizona, working odd jobs along the way.
In 1951, Lloyd was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean conflict, following his older brother into military service. At one point, all three Sherrod brothers were serving in the military. Although Lloyd did not see combat, his time in the Army took him around the world and gave him the opportunity to travel extensively, eventually visiting all 50 states.
Following his military service, Lloyd used the GI Bill to attend college. He earned a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University, a master’s degree in Animal Science from Arkansas State University and a Ph.D. in Animal Science and Nutrition from Oklahoma State University in 1963 at the age of 32.
It was during his time at Oklahoma State that Lloyd’s life took another important turn. Two of his enthusiastic laboratory assistants, brothers from Clinton, Okla., introduced him to their older sister, Judith Harms, a schoolteacher in Oklahoma City. Lloyd and Judy were married on Dec. 21, 1963, beginning a partnership that would last more than 62 years.
Soon after their marriage, Lloyd and Judy moved to Hilo, Hawaii, where Lloyd worked as an animal scientist and researcher for the University of Hawaii. He led cattle research on the Parker Ranch, helping advance the understanding of animal nutrition and beef production. During their time in Hawaii, Lloyd and Judy welcomed their two daughters.
In 1967, the family moved to the Texas Panhandle, where Lloyd began a long and distinguished career with Texas Tech University. He served as assistant superintendent and later as head of the Texas Tech Research Farm at Pantex Village in Carson County. His research focused particularly on animal nutrition and its relationship to beef quality. His work was published numerous times and earned him recognition and awards for outstanding achievements in agricultural research.
Lloyd also shared his love of learning and science as a teacher, teaching nutrition, chemistry, and philosophy at Texas Tech University, Frank Phillips College in Borger, and Amarillo College. He retired from teaching in 1996, but he remained a lifelong learner.
In 1976, Lloyd and Judy made their home in Panhandle, where Lloyd purchased farmland and began building a successful dryland farming operation from the ground up. Farming was more than a profession to Lloyd; it was one of his greatest loves. He became well respected throughout Carson County for his dedication to soil and water conservation, innovative farming practices, and stewardship of the land. He was also an early adopter of wind technology as an energy source.
Lloyd’s family, his research, and his land are lasting parts of his legacy. But above all, his greatest legacy was the love and devotion he gave to his family.
Lloyd and Judy shared 62 years of marriage, enjoying life together and remaining devoted to one another through sickness and health. Lloyd was immensely proud of his daughters and especially proud of his four granddaughters, whom he considered his favorite people. Together, he and Judy attended countless school programs, choir and band concerts, sporting events, award ceremonies, birthdays, dance recitals, gymnastics meets, theater performances, and graduations.
When bragging about his granddaughters, Lloyd often said, “The best you can do is fifth, because I have the top four spots.” His family knew just how much love and pride was behind those words.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen Sherrod; his brothers, Howard Sherrod and Cecil Sherrod; his sister, Judith Schoenberger; and his sister-in-law, Delores Sherrod.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Sherrod of Panhandle; daughters, Donna Mason, Barbara and husband Stacy Scheller of Amarillo; granddaughters, Erin Gutierrez and husband Juan of Newark, Sydney Millay and husband Christian of Dallas, Courtney Scheller of Amarillo, and Cara Scheller of Amarillo; and great-grandchildren, Emilia and Cruz Gutierrez.
He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Leber and husband Gene of Phoenix, Ariz., and Loretta Stukey and husband Mark of Emporia, Kan.; brother-in-law Ed Schoenberger of Greensburg, Kan.; along with Judy’s siblings and their spouses, and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Lloyd lived a life defined by curiosity, hard work, service, faithfulness, and love. He left his mark through the people he taught, the research he conducted, the land he carefully tended, and, most importantly, the family he loved so dearly. His memory will continue to live on in all those fortunate enough to have known him.
Memorials may be made to a college scholarship of your choice.
