Meet Your 2021 Allendale Fourth of July Celebration Grand Marshals

The Sheridan brothers were born in Allendale, Michigan to their parents John and Edna Sheridan. Don was born in January 1926 with Robert, Bob, being born the year after in July.

Both attended Allendale Public Schools until reaching high school and graduating from Coopersville. Don decided to enlist in the Navy in 1943 and served until 1946. He traveled the world at 10 knots per hour as part of a gun crew on a cargo ship. Bob enlisted into the Army in 1945 and served until 1947. He was a Paratrooper in the 11^th Airborne Division and later was in the Merchant Marines through 1949.

In 1950 Don married Ione (Johnson), raised 3 children, and were married for 65 years before her passing in 2015. In 1963 Don moved to White Bear Lake, Minnesota for a year as part of a group that was producing the first aluminum beverage can in America for Hamms.

In the mid 1960’s, Don was part of a citizens driven group that included Ralph Meyers & others to prevent the merger of Allendale Public Schools with Hudsonville and Coopersville as Allendale was only a K - 8th grade district at that time.  From this group, plans were made to create a high school in Allendale.  Being a humble man, this was to be one of the proudest accomplishments for Don- helping to build a high school in Allendale & watching the first class graduate in 1972!  Including, having his niece, Bob’s daughter, as that first graduating class & Don’s daughter following in 1973.

Don continued to serve on the School Board for one three-year term until 1971. Allendale Public Schools then hired him as Business Manager/Treasure and retired in 1991. He also served as Allendale’s DDA Treasure from the mid-70’s to mid-80’s.

Bob also married in 1950 to Betty E. (Barding), moving into his family home and raising 6 children of their own. During this time, Bob and Betty took on around 35 foster children into their home. In 1955, Bob was the first Rural Letter Carrier in Allendale for the Post Office through 1988. At the same time, he also worked at Preston’s Fuel Station in Coopersville. Bob and Betty retired in 1988 and went on to enjoy a long and wonderful retirement traveling and enjoying their home in Allendale with all of the family near-by.

We are so proud and honored to have such wonderful stories of two brothers born and raised in Allendale, Michigan, serving in the military, serving their families, and their community.