SR1249 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1249 LRB103 43054 MST 76307 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John W. Sheppard of Pittsfield, who passed away on October 15, 2024; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard was born to Earl and Jessie Smith Sheppard in Time on September 12, 1931; he married Karolyn J. Beatty at New Salem United Methodist Church on September 20, 1953; he was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1954, and he served as a radar technician in Thule, Greenland until his honorable discharge in November 1956; he later married Carlene Dunham on July 27, 2012; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard 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; he was also a Burrus seed salesman for numerous years; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard formed the Bay Creek Watershed Board in 1973 and was the first appointee, serving on the board for 50 years; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard was committed to serving the people of Pittsfield and Pike County; he was a member of the Pike County Board from 1978 to 2000, serving as chair for a number of years; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard was the last president of the Pike and Louisiana Railroad; he was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in the restoration of the historic bandstand in Time; he also served as a board member for Looking for Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard and his first wife, Karolyn, were 4-H leaders for many years and were inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame for their service in 2009; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, a dedicated public servant, a loyal friend, and a man of strong faith; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Karolyn; his parents; his great-granddaughter, Piper Isabel Lewis; and his sister, Catherine Moore; and

WHEREAS, John Sheppard is survived by his wife, Carlene; his sons, Robert (Kelly) Sheppard, Tom Sheppard, Bill (Martha) Sheppard, Jim Sheppard, and Ron (Mary Ann) Sheppard; his daughters, Sandy (Larry) Wigington, Mary (Dave) Lagemann, and Kathy (Tom) Scranton; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; his brother-in-law, Dale Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John W. Sheppard and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Sheppard as an expression of our deepest sympathy.