Merrill Stephen Shepard's Obituary
Merrill Stephen 'Steve' Shepard, age 68, of Centerville, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. Steve was born on March 05, 1943, the third child born to Merrill and Deloris Shepard in Centerville, Iowa. Steve attended North Bend School through the 8th grade and graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1961. He enlisted in the Army in 1964 and served 7 years in the National Guard.Steve married Sharon O'Conner on October 01, 1966. To this union 2 daughters, Serena and Shimene and son Slade were born. The marriage ended in 1984. Steve and Tisha Latham were married September 05, 1987.Steve retired from the local telephone company in December 2003 after 42 years of service. His hobbies and interests were many, elk hunting with his buddies in Colorado, deer hunting in Iowa. His woodworking items have been enjoyed by family and friends. Cutting wood, working at the farm and yard work he also enjoyed.Steve was a good friend, always willing to help others. He was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church and served as a Deacon for many years. He also volunteered to drive for Meals on Wheels and worked at the Lord's Cupboard. He was a member of the American Legion.Steve is survived by his wife, Tisha Shepard of Centerville, Iowa; daughters, Shimene (Rick) Shepard-Ryan of Port Orange, Florida, Rochelle (Harold) Latham-Bozarth of Kirksville, Missouri; sons, Slade (Erica) Shepard of Darlington, Wisconsin and GK Chad (JoEllen) Latham of Praire City, Iowa. Grandchildren Stella Shepard and Noah Latham. Step grandchildren, Jessica Sturm, Maria Sturm and Christina Sturm; and great step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Brothers, Stanley (Sally) Shepard of Aitkin, Minnesota and Stewart 'Stu' (Becky) Shepard of Des Moines, Iowa; a sister, Patricia McClanahan of St. Peters, Missouri.Steve was preceded in death by his infant daughter Serena, his mother and father and niece Jessica Johnson.A devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Steve will be greatly missed by his family and friends.Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10 am at the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Sara Galindo officiating. Burial with full military honors to follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery south of Moravia, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 2 pm until 8 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Drake Avenue Christian Church or to the Lord's Cupboard and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Merrill Stephen Shepard please visit our Sympathy Store.
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