John W. Sheppard

John W. Sheppard, age 93, of Pittsfield, IL passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Griggsville Estates in Griggsville, IL. He was born September 12, 1931, in Time, IL to Earl and Jessie Smith Sheppard. John married Karolyn J. Beatty September 20, 1953, at New Salem United Methodist Church and she preceded him in death April 24, 2009. He later married Carlene Dunham July 27, 2012, and she survives.

John was a lifelong member of Time Community Church where he served as a deacon and lay minister when needed. He was drafted into the United States Army in December 1954, and served his country in Thule, Greenland as a radar technician until his honorable discharge in November 1956. John was a livestock farmer until he was 91 years old. He raised Shorthorn cattle, Oxford sheep and Poland China hogs with his faithful farm dog by his side. John was also a Burrus seed salesman for numerous years. John and Karolyn were 4H leaders and were inducted into the Illinois 4H Hall of Fame. In 1973 he formed the Bay Creek Watershed Board and was the first appointee, was the last President of Pike and Louisiana Railroad, served on Pike County Board from 1978 to 2000, was honored as Volunteer of the Year for Pike County Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in the restoration of the Time Bandstand, and was a Looking for Lincoln member. John enjoyed mushrooming, taking the kids fishing, was an avid Cardinals baseball fan, enjoyed bird watching and driving around the countryside. He could always be counted on as a helping hand in the community, was loyal, kind and giving of himself.

John is survived by wife, Carlene Sheppard; sons, Robert (Kelly) Sheppard of Payson, IL, Tom Sheppard of Pittsfield, IL, Bill (Martha) Sheppard of Pearl, IL, Jim Sheppard of Pittsfield, IL and Ron (Mary Ann) Sheppard of Plainview, IL; daughters, Sandy (Larry) Wigington of Pittsfield, IL, Mary (Dave) Lagemann of Pearl, IL and Kathy (Tom) Scranton of Milton, IL; thirteen grandchildren;  nineteen great grandchildren with another on the way; brother-in-law, Dale Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jessie Sheppard; loving wife of 55 years, Karolyn Sheppard; great granddaughter, Piper Isabel Lewis; and sister, Catherine Moore.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, October 21, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with interment to follow the service at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Memorials are suggested to be made to French Cemetery or Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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