Francis M.D.

Francis Michael Sheridan M.D., a.k.a. "FM" to family and friends, died peacefully in his sleep February 15, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri after a brief stay in hospice care. FM was an intelligent man, who served his country, earned a degree in medicine, mastered the piano and worked with gifted children. He spent most of his life working as a pediatrician and became nicknamed the baby doc. He often regaled friends and family with fabulous stories involving tonsils, ear wax, sibling rivalry and the darndest things kids do and say. His spirit of adventure led him to obtain a pilots license whereupon he enjoyed traveling the country in his small Cessna and Bonanza planes. FM loved books, fishing, hockey, crossword puzzles, photography and gourmet cooking. He spent many hours in his darkroom documenting his family and he enjoyed skiing at the Ostego Ski Club in Northern Michigan and in Aspen, Colorado. FM embraced and enjoyed the camaraderie and challenges found in the game of golf and he loved all of the gadgets associated with the advent of new technology, especially computers. He leaves his four children and their spouses, Michael Sheridan and Liz Baca of Victor, Idaho, John Sheridan and his wife Froan of Punta Gorda, Florida, Nancy Hemenway and her husband Charlie of Morrison, Colorado and Phil Sheridan and his wife Kim of Traverse City, Michigan. In addition he leaves five grandchildren, Chris Hemenway, Jenny Dunsmore, Meghan Sheridan, Andy Sheridan and Alex Sheridan. Also three great grandchildren, Tanner Hemenway, Cooper Hemenway and Emma Dunsmore. Also nieces and nephews Evan Pyle, Emily Pyle, and Elinor Pyle; and friend and companion, JoAnn Halberg of Kansas City, Missouri. Born at home on November 30, 1920, to Bernard Sheridan and Anna Powers Sheridan in Miami County, Paola, Kansas, FM began his education at St. Patricks Holy Trinity Schools where he attended elementary and middle school. Classes were taught by the Sisters of the Ursuline Academy, one of the leading educational institutions in Eastern Kansas at the time. At the age of 14 he attended the New Mexico Military Academy in Roswell, NM where every boy learned how to march, shoot and ride a horse. Following his stint in the military academy, FM went on to complete four years of pre-med studies at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. He joined the Navy after college and went on to study at the Perelman Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his medical residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. During his residency at Henry Ford, he met and married Mildred Jane Lackie, a nurse from the Detroit area who also worked at the hospital. He fulfilled his Navy obligation in 1945 by practicing medicine in a number of bases across the United States until he finished his military career in 1949. FM began his private pediatric practice in 1950 when he partnered with Doug Wake of the Wake Clinic in Royal Oak, Michigan. He served as a prominent pediatrician and staff member at William Beaumont Hospital in the Royal Oak Community for over fifty years. FM was an active member of the Royal Oak Rotary Club for many years and the Red Run Golf Club for over 50 years. Long known for his positive outlook on life and his infectious sense of humor, he also handed down his passion for the game of golf to his children. In the latter part of his career, FM studied in the field of learning disabilities of gifted children and was able to diagnose and help extremely bright children overcome social obstacles. He continued this work until his retirement in 1995. FM had many friends all over the country and took time to visit and stay in touch with everyone throughout the years. For the last few years of his life, FM lived in Kansas City, Missouri where he enjoyed reading, relaxing, sharing jokes and spending time with his friends there. On his 93rd birthday in late November, FM enjoyed a personal flight on a small plane touring high amid the clouds in the Kansas City area. The visitation will be Friday 3-7 p.m. and service Saturday 1 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Road 4 blocks E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Memorials to Beaumont Children's Hospital are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.