Ronald J. Shepherd Obituary (1958

Ronald J. Shepherd, age 67, of Pontiac, IL, passed away unexpectedly at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the El Paso Community Building, located at 523 S. Sycamore Street, El Paso, IL, 61738. All are welcome to attend and enjoy food and drinks while being able to celebrate the life of Ron Shepherd. Memorials in Ronald’s memory may be made to the family or at First Financial Bank. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac is entrusted with the arrangements. Ronald was born on November 20, 1958, in Pontiac, IL, to Elmer Shepherd and Mary (Kennedy) Shepherd. He married Linda on November 16th, 1982. They later divorced but always remained close friends. She survives in Pontiac, IL. Other survivors include his beloved children: Tony (Stephanie) Wilfong of McLean, IL, and Amanda Shepherd of Pontiac, IL; his four grandchildren: Allyson (Taylor), Tristan, Desmond, and Ileia; two great-grandchildren: Zander and baby Jasper that is due in September. He is also survived by 10 brothers, a special niece and nephew: Nicole (Stewart) and Joe (Jillian), and numerous other beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister in infancy. Ronald graduated from Odell High School in 1978. After high school, he worked several different jobs. He worked at Denny’s in Bloomington, Interlake in Pontiac, IL, CSI, and also helped out local farmers with all their needs. Ronald was a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox fan. He enjoyed watching college football, basketball, and baseball. Ronald was also known as a chatterbox who loved to tell endless stories to anyone and everyone. He enjoyed to piddle, never sitting still, watching History documentaries, restoration shows, and doing word searches. Above all, Ronald was best known as the guy who would do anything for anyone. He had a kind heart with endless love to give. Spending quality time with his family and making countless memories was the most important thing to him. He never got angry, was always patient, and was always there for them. He truly was the glue that held everyone together and will be missed enormously. He might not have been the richest man, but he had the richest heart. He truly was the best Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Uncle Ron, and friend. His legacy and memory will forever live on through his loved ones and all of his stories. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. This obituary may be viewed, and a guest book signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.