Matthew Thomas Sherrouse's Obituary
MATTHEW THOMAS SHERROUSE, 36
PARAMEDIC
LAKELAND – Matthew Thomas Sherrouse was born on December 3, 1982 to the parents of Ray T. and Lisa Day Sherrouse. He left this world on December 13, 2018 at the young age of 36. He was a life long resident of Polk County, FL and a 5th generation Floridian.
Mr. Sherrouse is survived by his parents, Ray and Lisa Sherrouse; his brothers, Cody Ray (Lacey) Sherrouse and Jayson Day all of Lakeland; his sisters, Krista (Jordan) Ellithorpe and Susan (Zack) Berkheimer both of Valrico; his nieces, Makenzie and Lindsey and nephew, Cody Raymond. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, 4 uncles and 5 aunts. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather.
Mr. Sherrouse graduated from Bartow High School. He was a member of the marching band, ROTC, Explorers and the medical club. Upon graduation Mr. Sherrouse became an Emergency Medical Technician and later a Paramedic. He was employed at the Polk County Fire Rescue for almost 13 years. Mr. Sherrouse left Polk County to become a supervisor for a private ambulance company. He decided to leave that position to focus on his education. At the end of life, he was working as a monitor technician at BayCare – South Florida Baptist Hospital.
Mr. Sherrouse was very involved in his community. While at Polk County Fire Rescue, he became involved with the union for the employees. He was their treasure for many years. He also acted as shop stewart representing employees in discipline hearings. He became a guardian ad litem to protect the at-risk children in the community. He recently volunteered at Emergency Management placing individuals with special needs in shelters during emergency situations. Mr. Sherrouse devoted his life to helping those in need.
Mr. Sherrouse loved a number of things including education, politics, traveling and University of Florida football. In his young life he was blessed to be able to travel all of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and more.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home 1727 Bartow Road Lakeland, FL. An additional visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Thursday, December 20th at Bethel Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 10:00 am.
What’s your fondest memory of Matthew?
What’s a lesson you learned from Matthew?
Share a story where Matthew's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Matthew you’ll never forget.
How did Matthew make you smile?
