Sherman Bryant of North Webster, IN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
Sherman spent his working life as ['auditor at Farm Bureau Insurance Company'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some legacies are not written; they walk the earth, named after those who came before.
Sherman Bryant, age 97, of North Webster, passed away quietly at his home on May 4, 2026. He was born to Charles and Sarah (Byerly) Bryant in Pierceton, IN on June 28, 1928. He married Colleen Colt on February 22, 1954 in Tacoma, Washington.Sherman graduated from Pierceton High School in 1946 and pursued higher education at Manchester College, graduating in 1950. He proudly served his country in the Air Force at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington and received an honorable discharge.Sherman’s career encompassed both public service and agriculture. He worked as an auditor at Farm Bureau Insurance Company, retiring after 36 1/2 years service, his last job being the Head State Auditor for Indiana. He simultaneously embraced his calling as a lifetime farmer. Sherman cultivated some 229 acres, growing corn and soybeans, and raising hogs and cattle. His deep connection to the land extended beyond farming; he was a staunch conservationist who loved preserving the land for future generations. He was awarded the River Friendly Farmer Award by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in 2019, recognized for his outstanding conservation efforts and land management, following a 60 year farming career. His leadership was recognized in various roles, including serving on the board for the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, presiding as president of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and he served on the board for the National Association of Conservation Districts.Sherman was known for his hard-working nature, reflecting a character grounded in perseverance and devotion. He carried these qualities into his community involvement as a longtime member of the Lakeland Kiwanis Club, which he joined in 1970 and had a 50 year perfect attendance award in 2020. He and his wife also participated in numerous conventions across the United States. Among his personal joys, he was a devoted Purdue University fan. He also received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award in January 2005 from Governor Joe Kernan.Sherman’s family was the heart of his life. He is lovingly survived by his children: Cathy Shipley of Leesburg (along with her husband Ron), Stuart Bryant of Libertyville, Illinois (along with his wife Toni) and Carmen Dougherty of Boggstown, Indiana (and her husband George). Along with grandchildren David (Emily) Shipley of North Webster, Karen White of North Webster, Kelsey (Andrew) Ferrell of Frankfort, Indiana, Jackie (Craig) McBarnes of La Quinta, California, Luke (Jenna) Dougherty of Boggstown, Indiana, Claire Bryant of Los Angeles, California, and Sam Bryant of Libertyville, Illinois and 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way.He is preceded in death by his wife, Colleen; son, Steve Bryant; his parents; and his brothers Max Wayne Bryant, G. Wendell Bryant, and Charles Eugene Bryant.Sherman's Life Celebration will be held at Titus Funeral Home-North Webster, located at 8056 E 500 N, North Webster, IN 46555. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation hours on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, May 12 starting at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Pierceton.Donations in memory of Sherman may be given to the Lakeland Kiwanis Club, the North Winona Church of the Brethren, or the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District.
