Ronald Doyl Shepherd, 71, of Springfield, passed away on April 8th, 2013 at 6:30pm at Cox South Hospital. He was surrounded by his family, decked in his favorite Cardinal's shirt, and took his last breath top of the ninth, Cardinal's home opener. He was born December 13th, 1941 in Monett, Missouri, son of the late Doyl and Charlotte Shepherd. Ron graduated from Monett High School, class of 59 and then attended Mizzou for 1 year. He worked for Friend Tire as a salesman for over 20 years and as a property manager for Warren Davis Properties for over 10 years. He retired at age 62 and lived the last 9 years watching Cardinals baseball, working jigsaw puzzles, watching westerns, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Ron lived his life for his family. He was a devoted brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He always put his family before himself and appreciated every moment he spent with them. "I never met a person I couldn't get a long with." This was a motto Ron lived by. He was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He made a friend in everyone he met. And his home was always open to everyone. Ron is survived by his wife of 22 years, Geralyn Mason (Shepherd) of Springfield. Additional survivors include his five children: Greg Shepherd and wife Felicia of Olive Branch, MS; David Shepherd of Wilmington, NC; Jennifer Keller and husband Jason of Skiatook, OK; Angie Birmingham and husband Brian of Springfield, MO; and Lindsay Shepherd of Modesto, CA. Ron is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Brooke, Whitney, Morgan, Jack, Kelton, Shepherd, Isabel, Sophia, and Joe; as well as his sisters, Sue Martinek of Tracy, CA and Jill Summers of Quapaw, OK, and many cousins. A visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO on Friday, April 12th, 2013 starting at 6:00 pm with a tribute following at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 13th, 2013 at 10:00am at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home followed by procession and burial at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ron's memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or www.cardinalscare.org.
