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Submitted: 5/5/22 • Approved: 5/28/22 • Last Updated: 1/22/23 • R1431267-G1431266-S3
June 20 1948. November 13 2020
Obituary
James Stephen Shroyer, 72, died at his home in Maumelle, Arkansas, on November 13, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. The family is deeply grateful to have had the blessing of being with Stephen through his infirmity when so many during these extraordinary days do not have the same opportunity. Stephen’s death was not Covid-19 related.
He was born on June 20, 1948 in Texarkana, Arkansas, son of the late Dudley “Dud” Minor and Mildred Maxine “Mickey” (Bettis) Shroyer.
Stephen spent his early life in Texarkana and moved to Little Rock with his family in 1963.
He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1968, where he distinguished himself on the tennis team and was president of its Hi-Y service club, as well as serving as that organization’s state president.
Upon graduation, Stephen served in the Arkansas National Guard and worked briefly at Timex before settling into a career in 1971 as a locomotive engineer, like his father before him.
Stephen’s 30-plus year career with the Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific railroads was legendary, and he was honored with state and national commendations. Stephen was known on the rails as “Square”, named after his father’s moniker which was “Square Head”. Stephen also served as an instructor, training countless engineers who are still on the rails today. During his career, he also completed coursework at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Stephen had an abundant life full of faith, family, and fun. He enjoyed world-wide travel and cruising, canoeing the Buffalo River, boating Arkansas’ beautiful lakes, camping in his much loved RV, and, at one point, he had even taken up sky-diving. He loved his retired-life and home in Maumelle. Stephen liked playing golf and when his health dictated that he no longer should play, he took great pleasure sitting on his deck watching others play through. In fact, sitting outside on his deck with his wife, Sherron, was one of his absolute favorite activities and place to be. In addition, he loved baseball, especially the Arkansas Travelers and the Chicago Cubs. Stephen was also a huge Razorbacks fan and loved “Calling the Hogs” while watching football games, often FaceTiming the game with his son, Matt.
Stephen was an active member and leader in many organizations, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Shriners. Stephen, a trained emergency medical technician (EMT) volunteered in both the Shannon Hills and Maumelle fire departments. He also served as a Maumelle City Commissioner for many years. A kidney transplant recipient himself, Stephen volunteered for ARORA, the organization that is instrumental in saving so many lives. Stephen served as a mentor and source of encouragement for newly-diagnosed renal failure patients.
Stephen’s Christian faith was very important to him and he worshiped at Christ the King Catholic Church. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and had the blessing of serving as a rosary-maker. Stephen also volunteered at CHI St. Vincent and the Catholic Bookstore.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, “Dud” and “Mickey” Shroyer and his brother, Douglas Michael Shroyer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Sherron Shroyer, and children: Carol (Shroyer) Wooten and husband, Daniel; Stephanie (Shroyer) Cowan and husband, Wayne; Stephen Matthew Shroyer and wife Tonya; Justin Kilpatrick and Teresa Rebelo; Jessica (Kilpatrick) Godfrey and husband, William; and Jennifer Kilpatrick. Stephen is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Magan (Cowan) Warnock, Zachary Cowan, Bob Kilpatrick, Carolina Rebelo, Ian Wooten, Ricardo Rebelo, Seth Wooten, Jack Kilpatrick, William Godfrey, Kyle Shroyer, and Cammy Shroyer; and by two great-grandchildren through Magan, Aden Pittman and Nolan Warnock. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Eugene Shroyer and wife, Dondra, and many nieces and nephews. A special note of thanks is given to his cherished niece Teresa Shroyer. Teresa cared for Stephen in her capacity as a nurse through his many recent hospitalizations, during this time when family visits are strictly limited due to the pandemic. Stephen is also survived by Savannah, his adored Shih Tzu. He was her person and she will miss him dearly.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Stephen on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:00 am, preceded by rosary at 9:30 am, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, 4000 N Rodney Parham Rd., with Fr. Eric Pohlmeier presiding. Interment to follow at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Columbarium.
Memorial donations may be made to the Diocese of Little Rock One Church Mission, 2500 N. Tyler St., Little Rock, AR 72207; Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) 1701 Aldersgate, Suite 4, Little Rock, AR 72205; or Maumelle Friends of the Animals, 425 Cogdell Dr., Maumelle, AR 72113.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to https://www.arkansascremation.com/
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Stephen Shroyer, please visit our floral store.
Contributed on 5/5/22 by Cowans
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Record #: 1431267