Leon E. "Bud" Sherburn

Leon E. Sherburn “Bud” passed away at home in the early morning on December 25, 2022 from complications of COVID, surrounded by his family.

Bud was born November 13, 1954 in Benton Harbor, the sixth child of Loris and Helen (Rudowske) Sherburn. His childhood years were spent alongside his parents and seven siblings working on the family farm in Berrien Springs.

After graduating in 1972 from Berrien Springs High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with the rank of sergeant, followed by two years in the Air National Guard. While in the USAF, he was licensed as the youngest Laboratory Technician in Nevada, where he was stationed.

After his service he returned to Michigan to continue a career in medicine by graduating in 1984 from Western Michigan University as a licensed certified physician assistant. After working in the practice of Dr. Charles Jones, D.O. in Dowagiac for five years, he felt the call to become a physician, and in 1994 graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathy, specializing in Family Practice. He also treated addiction and was a member of the American Academy of Addiction Medicine.

He returned to Dowagiac to practice at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital for 10 years. He also practiced at Watervliet Community Hospital (later Lakeland) in their Hartford clinic. After two years there, he remained 10 years part time while returning to Dowagiac to become the first full time physician for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, where he remained for over 10 years until his retirement in August 2019.

Bud was a member of many medical and addiction societies throughout his career. He was also a longtime member of American Legion Post 85 in Berrien Springs.

Bud’s enjoyment was being with his family, traveling, enjoying the outdoors walking in his woods and fishing. He had a passion for morel hunting too. Where? Who knows!

Bud is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Sandra (Nyberg) Sherburn. He is also survived by three children: Lars of Berrien Springs, Amelia (Alberto Diaz) of Byron Center, and Rebekah of Denver, CO. He has one grandson, Leonardo Diaz of Byron Center. Also surviving are his sisters: Ruth (Richard) Aviles of Baroda, Donna Manckia (Mike Kuttich) of El Cajon, CA, Janet Sherburn of Berrien Springs, Arlene Watson of Berrien Springs, and Barbara (Ron) Emhoff of Berrien Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Glen Sherburn and Dale Sherburn.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service at this time. The family will gather at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date for a private service.

Memorial donations made be made to Trinity Lutheran School in Berrien Springs or St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.