William Gerald Shero

William Gerald Shero, age 65, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the P.J. Smith Wilburton High School Auditorium.
Gerald was born on June 15, 1960, in McAlester, Oklahoma, alongside his twin brother, Earl, to William C. Shero and Norma Dean (Pate) Shero. He later married the love of his life, Anita Gayle McDonald, on May 28, 1988. and together they built a life rooted in family and hard work.
Gerald graduated from Wilburton High School with the Class of 1978 and went on to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College, where he earned an Associate's Degree.
For several years following high school, Gerald traveled the world working as a welder. Eventually, he felt the call to return home, once again working side-by-side with his father, Bill Shero, on the Shero Cattle Ranch in Latimer County-a ranching legacy that predates Oklahoma statehood. Deeply committed to cattle health and progressive ranching practices, Gerald proudly carried on that tradition, always striving to improve not only his own operation, but the ranching industry as a whole.
In addition to ranching, Gerald was the owner and operator of Apex Feed and Veterinary Supply, where he was well known and respected for his integrity and willingness to help fellow ranchers.
Above all else, Gerald was a devoted family man. His life's work and greatest joy were centered around his family and the ranch he loved so dearly. His steady presence, strong work ethic, and quiet generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.
Gerald will be forever missed by his wife, Anita Shero; daughter, Sarah Shero; son, Austin Shero; cherished granddaughter, Emerson; sisters, Patricia Heflebower and husband, Craig, and Lynette Lambert and husband Gary; sister-in-law, Cindy (Davis) Shero; along with other beloved family members and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Earl Shero, on January 1, 2025; his father, William C. Shero, on July 27, 2012; and his mother, Norma Dean (Pate) Shero, on December 27, 2009.
"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
- Matthew 11:28