By Mallory Kroencke

Reporter

David Thomas Sheridan, South history teacher, and soccer coach, 45, of Lee Summit, passed away Friday, January 22, 2016.

Sheridan passed away from pneumonia after his long, hard-fought battle with leukemia, at KU Medical Center. A visitation will be held from 9 to 11:30 am Saturday, January 30, 2016,at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church at 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee Summit, with the funeral service to celebrate his life following at noon.

Sheridan graduated from Hickman Mills high school in 1988 after spending a four years lettering in varsity track and cross-country, participating on the debate team, performing in school plays, working as co-editor of the newspaper, serving as a vice president of the senior class, and being voted class clown. He was also a member of Quill and Scroll, a journalism honor society.

After graduating high school, Sheridan attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he was active in many campus activities. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in English in May 1992. In 1994, he earned his master of arts degree in communication. His first job after college was working with an event planning company, and he continued to work on his own writing projects. In 2001, he earned his bachelor of arts degree in secondary education from UMKC.

He was in his fifteenth year of teaching at South. He taught Advanced Placement European History, World History, and sophomore English. He also taught Contemporary Issues, Advanced Placement U.S Government, and American Arts and Culture after World War II, where he was able to induldge in one of his greatest pleasures, music, and he passed that passion on to many students.

Dave Sheridan married Cathy Mader on June 19, 1999. Not long after, Dave and Cathy Sheridan, an English teacher at South, welcomed their first son, William Charles, to their family in 2001. He now attends The Freshman Center. Two years later, Henry Thomas was born, and he now attends Delta woods Middle School as a seventh grader.

Sheridan also had a huge impact on Blue Springs South outside of the classroom. For 13 years, he was part of South’s soccer coaching staff, mostly as JV boys coach and girl’s assistant varsity coach.

“My greatest memory with Mr. Sheridan was just being able to talk to him after a soccer practice or game. We would just sit in my room and talk for an hour or more about family and school and the team. Just to spend that one-on-one time with him, he was just so personable. He was able to connect with each and every person that he met.”-Mr. Findley

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Will and Henry’s Education Fund” at www.gofundme.com.