St. Clair County Obits

JOHN WILLIAM SHEPHERD

St. Clair County Courier
Friday, 28 December 2007
JOHN WILLIAM [J.W.] SHEPHERD
John William Shepherd was born June 13, 1924 in Osceola to Charles D. and Minerva [Daugherty] Shepherd and passed away Dec. 12, 2007 at the Sac-Osage Hospital in Osceola.
J.W. was the youngest of two boys. He joined the Army Air Corp in January of 1943 and separated in October of 1945. While in the Army Air Corp he achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant as a Waist Gunner/Radio Operator in the B-24 Liberator called the "Dazzling Duchess".  He flew in ten missions into enemy air space over Eastern Europe, Germany, Romania and Bulgaria and was shot down June 14, 1945 over Bucharest, Romania..  J.W. spent four months in a P.O.W. camp.
J.W. enjoyed playing the steel guitar and mandolin in several bands over the years with his brother Cliff
and son Chuck. He loved fishing and the outdoors in his beloved Bear Creek Valley. He was saved and
baptised at Hopewell Baptist Church in July 1992 and was a faithful member of the Hopewell Baptist Church
until his passing.
J.W. was preceded in death by his older brother, Cliff Shepherd and his parents, Clifford F. [Frank] Shepherd and Manerva [Daugherty] Shepherd.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sue [Crabtree] Shepherd of the home and his son, Charles D. Shepherd and wife Lisa T. [Futvoye] Shepherd. Two grandsons, Zachary Charles and Spencer Glen Shepherd, numerous relatives and many friends.
J.W. spent his last days on the family farm in Bear Creek Valley on 82 Highway east of Osceola with the
exception of the last four months in which he resided at the Northwood Hills nursing home in Humansville due to his advanced Alzgeimer's.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association isn J.W.'s
name.
Services were held Saturday, de. 15 at Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel, officiated by Rev. Jim Heidebrecht and Rev. Tom Sharp.
Music selections included "Old Rugged Cross" and "Precious Memories" with Richard Sunderwirth, soloist
and Gail Ingle, accompanist.
Casketbearers were Zachary Shepherd, Spencer Shepherd, Stan Shepherd, Randy Shepherd, Clifford Shepherd, Sr. and Randy Polson.
Military Honors were done by the Clinton VFW Post #1894.
Interment was in Hopewell Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola.