Bill Text: IL SR1249 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of John W. Sheppard of Pittsfield

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-11-13 - Resolution Adopted [SR1249 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR1249-Introduced.html

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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

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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

SR1249 - 3 - LRB103 43054 MST 76307 r
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