Sherwood Cottman Sr.

Obituary Sherwood Cottman Sr., affectionately known as Lightening Joe (his CB handle), Big Dada to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and Soup to his friends, was born the fourth of seven children to the late Henry and Mary Cottman of Allen, Maryland. He received his education at Allen Elementary and Salisbury High Schools. From an early age, Sherwood developed a love for driving, which led him to become an over-the-road trucker. For more than sixty years, he worked faithfully in the trucking industry, driving for Glascoe & Davis, W.P. Hearne, and Perdue, which he retired from all three. He also worked for several privately owned companies. His final place of employment was with American Fabric Company, from which he retired. We applaud Sherwood for the years he dedicated to helping FEMA with natural disaster relief programs, driving to and from Florida, Georgia, and other states to render aid. Sherwood loved to dance and he danced well. He called it finger popping and swinging. He was known for his cheerful, comical spirit, always ready to share a laugh and brighten the day of those around him. When something was funny, he truly got his laugh on. A proud Mason for over sixty-three years, Sherwood rose to the rank of 33rd Degree Grand Inspector General. He was also a member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Allen, Maryland. A generous, easygoing, and lovable man, Sherwood met and married Delilah Barkley-Cottman of Allen, Maryland, who preceded him in death. Cherished memories will remain with his five children: Ms. Pandoria Barkley, Ms. Lauren Barkley, Ms. Bonnie Chandler, Mrs. Judy Majette (John), and Mr. Sherwood Cottman Jr.; one brother, Mr. Randolph Cottman of Baltimore County; four nieces, Mrs. Rhoda (Dalbert) Savage, Ms. Norma Banks, Ms. Deborah Farlow, and Ms. Arlene Moore, all of Salisbury, Maryland; and one nephew, Mr. Norman (Janice) Farlow of Georgia. He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren, fifty-nine great-grandchildren, and a host of loving relatives and friends. Sherwood was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Ella Mae Farlow, Maria Cottman, and Henrietta Cook Cottman; two brothers, Sherman Cottman (his twin) and Rudolph Cottman; two grandsons, Stephen Elmore and Kaavon Purnell; two nieces, Bertha Farlow and Angeline Farlow. SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Sherwood Cottman Sr.

June 29, 1938 - October 24, 2025