Steve Kent Sherrod, beloved father, grandfather, and conservationist, passed away on May 26, 2024, at the age of 76. He was born on April 15, 1948, in Bethany, Oklahoma, and most recently resided in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Steve had a zest for life and a passion for nature. He had an extraordinary love for falconry and spent countless hours flying his falcons alongside his fellow falconers. Steve's dedication to conservation led him to educate the next generation about the importance of preserving wildlife.

Steve's adventurous spirit took him to many amazing places around the world, but his heart always returned to his little log cabin in the woods, a place he had lovingly built. He found solace in the tranquility of nature and cherished every moment spent there.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed fishing, leatherwork, and building things. He appreciated the simple pleasures in life, such as savoring his favorite foods like fried chicken, fried okra, and chocolate chip cookies. Steve had an affinity for music, particularly the Eagles and Willie Nelson, whose songs brought him joy and inspiration.

Steve’s impact extended well beyond his personal interests and circle of friends. His lifelong falconry interest and experience led him to one-on-one discussions about ornithology with professor and noted ornithologist George Miksch Sutton at the University of Oklahoma where Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree. He then went on to study both eagles and falcons in Alaska and Greenland during graduate studies at Brigham Young University (M.S.) and Cornell University (Ph.D.). He was soon participating in recovery efforts for the then-endangered Peregrine Falcon. The wildlife restoration techniques used in this process would later be modified, expanded and applied to the restoration of southern Bald Eagles after Steve became the founding executive director of the newly formed George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center approximately a year after Sutton’s death. This young, upstart organization known as the Sutton Center would become renowned for its initial work with Bald Eagle recovery across the southeastern U.S. In Oklahoma, for example, the number of nesting eagles went from zero prior to the recovery efforts led by Steve, to more than 300 nesting pairs in the state today. Steve’s sheer determination to succeed and his expectation of high standards from everyone he worked with led to many additional, successful research and conservation projects by the Sutton Center that benefited other raptor species, grassland songbirds, and prairie grouse, among others. Even after retirement with over 30 years of leading the Sutton Center, Steve continued coming to the office every day to lend wisdom and encouragement for the continued success of the Sutton Center and the conservation of the wildlife he was so passionate about.

Steve is survived by his ex-wife Linda Sherrod, his children Alison and Scott, and his grandchildren Skye Sherrod, Tristan, and Kate Williams. He is also survived by his older sister Nancy Wilson and nephew Sandro Sherrod.

Steve Kent Sherrod will be remembered for his creative approach to conservation, his attention to detail, and his unwavering passion for wildlife. He made a lasting impact on the lives of others, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and shape conservation efforts for generations to come.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Steve's life and honor his accomplishments. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center to continue Steve's legacy of bird conservation.