Jerry Eugene Shepard, beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born to the late Thomas Calvin Shepard and Vergie Mae Aronhalt-Shepard on Tuesday, April 4, 1944, in Pierce, where he built his life with his beloved wife of 49 years Barbara Ann Fink-Shepard.
Jerry attended Mountaineer High School and was a member of the Eagles, Italian Supper Club, Sportsman Club, and Mt. Top Hunting Club. He was a Presbyterian by faith. Jerry was a retired coal miner from Island Creek Coal Company and also worked for some time at Kingsford Manufacturing Company. He was an avid hunter, loved fishing, tinkering in his building, and sitting in the yard with his grandchildren. He loved his westerns and his unfiltered cigarettes. Spending time with his family, telling stories and cooking were a few of his favorite things to do.
Jerry’s memory will remain with his daughter Dawn Jean Shepard – Hunt, three step children Patricia Harman, Pamela Shepard, and Steven Hamner and wife Karen, seven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren Ashley Hunt, Shelby Moore and husband Andrew ( AnnaLynne, Drew and Kayce), Alexis Haddox and husband Zac ( Weslee and Avery), Melissa Jones and husband David (Caleb and Logan) Paul Jennings and wife Tatiana ( Kelcee, Kaylee and Kloee) Stefanie Little ( Sophia) Ryan Shepard ( Savannah and Austin) Cassie and Maddie Jennings, Christopher Shepard, and David Hamner, a sister Betty (Patsy) Woods, brother in law Paul Alton Parsons, sister in law Mari Jo Fink several nieces and nephews as well as his four puppy companions Bella, Sunny, Willow and Magnolia.
Proceeding Jerry in death besides his parents and wife was a stepson Michael Hamner, four sisters Barbara Parsons, Janet Jones, Mabel Macklem, and Thelma Sheeler, three brothers Harold (Sam) Shepard, Bernard Shepard, and Glenn (Jake) Shepard, two grandsons Matt Jennings and Christopher Shepard, two nephews Bobby Sheeler and Glenny Shepard, and five nieces Rebecca Woods, Diane Shepard, Peggy Shepard, Marianne Lambert and Donna Walker
Jerry’s request for cremation will be honored. A grave side service will be held on Friday October 3, 2025, at 1:00pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thomas to honor the lives of Jerry and his beloved wife Barbara Ann as they both wished. There will be a memorial luncheon following the service announced once details are finalized. The Hostetler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Jerry Eugene Shepard. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hostetlerfuneralhome.com.
