Jerry R. Shepherd, age 83, passed away on May 29, 2023, at 8:35 pm, at the Lima Memorial Health System. Jerry was born August 10, 1939, in Lima, OH, to Delmar J. and Helen L. (McMullen) Shepherd who preceded him in death. On June 27, 1959, he married Elva E. (Goodwin) Shepherd who survives in Lima.
Jerry was a 1957 graduate and in the first graduating class from Bath High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marines where he served two tours in Lebanon in Operation Blue Bat. Once he was done serving his country, he returned home and worked for the Lima Ford Engine Plant for a short time. He spent most of his career as a “Junk Yard Dog” working in parts and auto salvage with Kenny’s Auto Wrecking retiring in 2001.
Jerry was a member of the Forest Park United Methodist Church, Eagles #370, life-member of the Columbus Grove VFW and Marine Corps League. He loved working on cars, cutting wood (with his buddy Gary), tending to his garden and car racing. He also loved watching The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns Football and the Cincinnati Reds. He dearly loved traveling with his wife to his Marine reunions twice a year since 1999. Not only was he extremely proud of his family and the Marines; he was also very proud that he was born, raised, lived, raised his family and retired in Bath Township.
In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his children: Julie (Bob) Walsh of Lima, OH, Mark (Michelle) Shepherd of Amelia, OH, Jenifer (Tim) Ignarski of Degraff, OH and Judy (Ritchie) Frisby of Harrod, OH, 11 grandchildren: Tyler Walsh, Seth (Shelby) Shepherd, Jordan (Nick) Huffman, Amanda (Caleb) Hattery, Logan Shepherd, Casey Taylor, Mackenzie Basham, Cole Basham, Josie(Caleb) Hembree, Ridge Shepherd and Gracie Jo Shepherd-Frisby, 12 great grandchildren: Isaiah, Maddox, Broxton, Cambree, Vinny, Walker, Ayla, Lilah, Madeline, Nora, Sophie and Wrenley and one on the way and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Shepherd of New Milford, CT. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jessica Ignarski, 2 brothers: Michael Shepherd and Donnie (Susan) Shepherd.
There will be a funeral service held on Saturday, June 3, at 4 p.m. at the Forest Park United Methodist Church. Officiating the service will be Rev. Linda Lockwood. Following the service will be military rites provided by the U.S. Marines and the Ada VFW.
Friends may visit on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Eastside Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Food Pantry. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.