COLUMBUS
Jerry Preston Shepherd, passed from this life on February 3, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 56. He was born on September 13, 1968, in Columbus, Indiana to Roscoe S. Shepherd and Ardinelle Dugan Douglas, and from a young age, he demonstrated an unmistakable zest for life and an unwavering devotion to his family.
Among his many roles, Jerry was known as a remarkable and fundamental figure. His guidance and love were pivotal in shaping the lives of Lindsey and Ashley; whom he was there for as an additional father figure from their birth and onward, and his presence graced family gatherings with warmth and joy.
A historic moment in Jerry’s journey was his part in medical history as one of the first children to undergo an MRI at Riley Hospital for Children – a story his family often recounted. As a young man, Jerry was a member of the Indiana Army National Guard serving in the Military Police unit where he was recognized and awarded for his Exceptional Meritorious Service.
An avid outdoorsman, Jerry was happiest when immersed in nature’s beauty, whether hunting for game which included squirrel, rabbit, deer and much more being a generalist hunter or fishing for catfish, bass, crappie, carp, sucker, and trout but simply found peace and joy within the freedom of casting. His love for the outdoors was only matched by his zeal for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he was a lifelong fan through and through. He shared these hobbies and much more with Ted King and Tony Belefsky, his devoted friends from childhood who stood by him through thick and thin.
Jerry is survived by his adored mother, Ardinelle I. Douglas of Florence, Alabama. Jerry helped raise his two nieces, Lindsey (Russell) Barr and Ashley Cundiff, both of Columbus, as if they were his own daughters – a testament to his caring and supportive character. Jerry leaves behind a loving circle of family including his sisters, Jill (Tony) England of Hope and Becky (Dallas) McKinney of Columbus; his brother, Stan (Debbie) Shepherd of Edinburgh; nephews, James (Jessi) Cherry and Thomas Cherry; niece, Megan Cherry; and his cherished great-nephews, Henry and Samuel Barr. His aunt Margaret (David) Ellis, uncle David Shepherd, and his lifelong friends, Ted King and Tony Belefsky, also share in the loss of a truly extraordinary man.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Roscoe Shepherd, and his grandparents, Thomas and Ethel Shepherd, and Edward and Alspie Dugan.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Barkes, Weaver, and Glick Funeral Home on Washington St with Dallas McKinney leading the service. Friends and family may gather for a time of visitation from 5:00 p.m. until time of service.
Inurnment will take place at Garland Brook Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with Jerry’s family at barkesweaverglick.com
