SAND RIDGE - Jack E. Shepard, 84, of Troy, IL, formerly of Sand Ridge, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Eden Village in Glen Carbon, IL. Jack was born March 6, 1927 in Gorham, IL the son of Mitchell and Rose Edwards Shepard. He married Lola LaVerne Bova on June 9, 1945 at Granite City, IL. She preceded him in death on September 17, 1987. Jack was the former janitor at the Mississippi Valley School in Gorham. He was a member of the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Raddle, IL. He was a member of the K of C Council #3790 in Chester, IL, Elks Lodge #572 in Murphysboro, IL and Eagles Aeries #2569 in Carbondale, IL. Jack is survived by a daughter, Sandy Leonard of Troy, IL; a son, Rick Shepard of Chester, IL; a daughter-in-law, Marietta Shepard of Jacob, IL; four grandsons, Todd & Mark Gilliland and Gabe & Keith Shepard; two grandchildren, Trenton Shepard and Grace Gilliland. Jack was also preceded in death by his Parents; two brothers; and two sisters. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Raddle, with Father Leo J. Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 to 8 pm Thursday, with rosary being recited at 8 pm and on Friday from 7:30 am until 9:45 am. Memorials may be given to St. Ann's Catholic Church or Masses.