Obituaries

Jonathan “Jon” C. Sewell, aka “Big Devil” passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, at the age of 81.

It all began on January 15, 1943, when he was born in Houston, Texas, to Jane and Roy C. Sewell. Shortly after, the Sewell family moved to Sherman, Texas, where Jon spent his childhood and developed his love for sports. A proud 1962 graduate of Sherman High School, Jon was a talented athlete who played football and golf for the Bearcats. He famously held two Bearcat football records: the longest punt and, just as memorably, the shortest punt—a distinction he celebrated with pride and humor throughout his life.

With the encouragement of his father, Jon joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after high school. He served his country with honor and carried his pride as a Marine and as an American for the rest of his life.

After completing his service, Jon embarked on a career as an entrepreneur. His first venture was El Chico Mexican Restaurant in Denison, a brief stint that after losing too much money and missing way too many tee times, he decided restaurants weren’t his calling. From there, Jon became the owner of National Career Consultants, Snelling & Snelling Employment Agency, and Accent Paint Company in Sherman. He also served as Vice President of Operations for Legacy Lamp Company in Round Rock, Texas, and Texas Reel Company in Sherman. Most recently, he was the owner of North Texas Bail Bonds in Sherman.

Jon’s personal life was even more rich and fulfilling than his professional endeavors. He was married to two beautiful women in his lifetime and loved them both dearly. He and his first wife, Jerriann Blythe, welcomed one daughter, the one and only, Shelly Sewell. Years later, with his second wife, Sarah Gates, Jon welcomed another daughter, the sweet and lovely Stephanie Sewell Parker. As a father, Jon was endlessly supportive, loving, and cherished deeply by his daughters.

An accomplished golfer, Jon played in the Texas State Amateur Tournament in 1974 and held the course record at Woodlawn Country Club for years. A scratch golfer, he continued playing well into his seventies. In addition to golf, Jon had a passion for Dallas Cowboy football, Texas Longhorn football, and flying. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren and watching them excel in football and basketball. He never missed the opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines in games or practices, traveling hours to support them and their teammates, and even argue with the commissioner when he saw fit!

Jon is survived by his daughters, Shelly Sewell of Sherman and Stephanie Parker of Highland Village; his grandchildren, Dallas Sewell of Sherman, Gates Parker and Cohen Parker of Highland Village, his newest grand baby, Laney Anderson of Highland Village; and his three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters, Janie Rohr and Sandra Templeton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jon was a beloved member of the Sherman and Pottsboro communities, known for his humor, charm, and unwavering loyalty to his friends and family. Though many of his lifelong friends have gone before him, he leaves behind countless others whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Jon’s life will take place on Friday, December 6 at 2:00pm at West Hill Cemetery organized by Dannel Funeral Home with “happy hour” in his honor afterwards. Pallbearers are grandsons, Dallas Sewell, Gates and Cohen Parker, nephews Jon and Jack Aills and close family friend, Justin Lawler. The family is forever grateful to Jon’s caregiver, Kelly Cook, and the team at Carrus Rehabilitation Hospital for their extraordinary care in his final days.