Ronald A. Sheard

Ronald A. Sheard, 74, of Fallsdale Road, Callkins, died peacefully on Friday morning, November 6, 2026. His loving wife of more than 52 years, Bonnie (Keen) Sheard, survives him. They were married on July 20, 1974.

Born January 8, 1952 in Callicoon, New York, he was the son of the late Elwin A. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Blum) Sheard.

Ron was raised in Calkins. He graduated from Damascus High School in 1969. He later attended Penn State University and completed a two year program for Agricultural and Industrial Equipment Repair. In 1970, Ron began working for Charles H. Siepiela at the John Deere Dealership in Honesdale where he served as a trusted employee, mechanic and service manager. His career there spanned almost 50 years, and in that time, he proved that there wasn't a piece of John Deere equipment he couldn't fix, even over the phone. Without question, Ron was the expert when it came to fixing balers; he was counted on by hundreds of farmers in the tri-state region and helped several generations of family farmers.

Ron's remarkable personality was unmatched. He had the best sense of humor that could truly make anyone smile. Ron's catchphrases and sayings would come out no matter where he was nor who he was talking to. He could always be counted on to make the day of each person he met up with along his journey. He wasn't shy; he had a cheerful smile and words of wisdom and humor for everyone.

Through many years of challenging medical conditions and physical setbacks, Ron faced it all with a smile, and a profound faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ron loved the Lord with all his heart, and he wasn't ashamed to tell others about Him. He was a member of River Fellowship in Tyler Hill. His family finds comfort in knowing with certainty that Ron is safe in the arms of Jesus; the very place he knew he was going all along.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, Ron is also survived by two daughters: Jackie Verrastro and her husband Jason of Calkins, PA; and Tami Minigh and her husband James Sr. of Holly Hill, FL; a brother, Eugene Sheard and his wife Carol of Jim Thorpe, PA; seven grandchildren: Aaron Swendsen, Ethan & Lydia Swendsen, Jacob Verrastro, Ava Verrastro, James Minigh, Jr., Zachery Minigh, and Levi Minigh; one great-grandson, Declynn Swendsen, nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 13th, at 2:00pm, in the Family Center at Calkins Baptist Church, 527 Calkins Road, Milanville, PA with Rev. Keith Peters & Rev. Kirt Gustafson officiating.

Friends and family may visit after the service on that day. A Celebration of Life will be held July 17, 2027 with time and location to be announced.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Ron's memory to River Fellowship, c/o Rev. Keith Peters, PO Box 77, Tyler Hill, PA 18469.

Interment will be in Calkins Cemetery, at a later date.

Arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com