John Edward Shepherd
March 27, 1940 – April 4, 2024
It’s been said that if God made the Earth 71% water, then we should fish 71% of the time. After all, that’s how the Good Lord made it! If ever a man tried, it was John Edward Shepherd, who left his mortal body to be with his Heavenly Father on April 4. He passed unexpectedly at his winter Texas home immediately before a planned fishing trip with his daughter and many friends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where a haul of tuna and marlin was hoped for.
While this fishing trip will be missed, John didn’t miss much in a full and rich life marked by his faith, family, friends, farming (and in later years, a garden that was really impressive!), and love of freedom and the flag. His gentle nature, his easy smile and laugh, and his never-ending work ethic were models to everyone. He cared for the earth as a steward of the land and a conservationist and earned honors and accolades for his work on the watershed and forest management of the long-time Shepherd home place.
John was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County, Indiana, after college and a stint reporting for the U.S. Farm Journal. He was a graduate of Hymera High School and Purdue University with honors, and a member of Farmhouse Fraternity.
Across the years, he contributed to the communities he cared deeply about. A 4-H leader and mentor to youth and young adults for decades, a member of the Shiloh Assembly of God Church of Hymera and its Men’s Group, and a long time and often requested member of the team at Neptune Foods providing fish fries around the region, were all highlights. Living life to its fullest, it was hard to get on his calendar, especially when you factored in his annual Canadian fishing trips and visits to family and friends across the country.
John is survived by his children, Shawn Ann Shepherd of Boise, ID, and Stephen Wayne Shepherd of Rochester, MI, and their spouses, Thomas Jefferson Davis II and Charlotte (Anderskow) Shepherd. His survivors include his Grandson Anthony Wayne Shepherd, and his wife Chloe (Short) Shepherd, and three Great Grandchildren, Ethan John, Ava Jade, and Mason Anthony, all of Midland, MI. He is also survived by his brother Tom Shepherd of Kalispell, MT, and his family. John was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne Shepherd and Goldia (Sluder) Shepherd, and his wife of 28 years and father of his children, Gladys Ann (Howard) Shepherd.
The Memorial Service for John Shepherd will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Shiloh Assembly of God Church at 7971 E County Road 875 N, Shelburn, 47879 (two miles from Hymera). Immediately following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life Dinner and Fish Fry hosted by John’s dear friends at the Shiloh Church and at Neptune Foods/Jonah Fish Fry. That is exactly how he’d want to be remembered — dear friends and family enjoying an incredible meal. This event will be held at the Ruritan Club in Hymera, Indiana. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, pay it forward with kindness to others and laughter on a daily basis, as John did throughout his life.
Facebook Comments