MTCF | D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund
Nearly one year after a Morrow County deputy gave his life to protect his community, he unites and inspires those he served. The parents of Deputy Daniel “Weston” Sherrer are honoring his life and continuing his legacy by creating a scholarship fund at Marion Technical College to help more students join the ranks of law enforcement.
The gifts are possible through the generosity of the residents of Morrow County and others who donated to a fund that was established by the Morrow County Federal Credit Union to collect and hold donations.
The Marion Technical College Foundation created the MTCF D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund at Marion Community Foundation. This agency fund will support the scholarship at MTC.
“We wanted to remove financial barriers to those interested in a career in law enforcement, but who can’t afford it,” Weston’s mother, Julie Sherrer, said. “We can’t thank enough those who donated in memory of our son, and we hope they will be happy with our decision to use the money this way.”
“We all hope this will help someone’s dream come true that might otherwise not have come true,” said Phyllis Butterworth, Weston’s aunt and the widow of Marion County Sheriff John Butterworth, who also was Weston’s godfather. “Those gifts are coming back to the community.”
Deputy D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund Established at Marion Tech
The Sherrers’ donation and a match from the Marion Technical College Foundation created the endowed Deputy D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund at the College. Priority will be given to students from Morrow County.
Deputy Weston Sherrer Remembered for Service and Compassion
Deputy Sherrer was 31 years old when his watch ended on May 26, 2025, while responding to a domestic violence call. The response to the loss was overwhelming.
The family described how Weston made the community better during his four years at the sheriff’s department. His caring demeanor and concern for others are credited with helping two people who were suicidal get help, as well as saving the lives of a woman and her children during a dangerous domestic violence call.
Those who knew him remembered Wes’s love and kindness. Dan said Weston treated everyone he met with dignity — even when he was arresting them.
“He took great pride in meeting people where they were. He was one of the most understanding people I have ever known,” Dan said. “He would even ask those he arrested what music they liked to listen to on the way to the sheriff’s department.”
Marion Tech Leaders Honor Deputy Weston Sherrer’s Lasting Impact
“It’s an honor for us to have the opportunity to carry on his legacy,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech.
“What a beautiful legacy for a beautiful person,” said Ellen Messenger, president of the Marion Tech Foundation Board of Directors. “Weston exemplified the best of the best in his duty and commitment to public service with his extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Being a deputy was truly his calling. Those who receive this scholarship and the community will remember the lasting and positive difference Weston made in the lives of others.”
The first scholarship will be awarded for the academy class starting in August 2026, with the second for the academy class starting in March 2027.
“As long as someone is remembered, they’re not really gone,” Perry said.
Thank you to Wendy Weichenthal for this story.
