William Keith Shepherd, a long time resident of Arvada, Colorado and North Platte, Nebraska passed away peacefully in his sleep December 24, 2023 at the age of 98 years old.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eva Lee (Reese) Shepherd of Odin, Missouri, brothers Kenneth Shepherd of Austin, Texas and Roger Shepherd of Eldon, Missouri, sisters Aline Shepherd of Eldon, Missouri, Betty (Shepherd) Joachim of Steeleville, Missouri and Dorothy (Shepherd) Nathan of Salt Lake City, Utah.
He is survived by his son, Stuart Shepherd, and daughter-in-law Rajean (Luebs) Shepherd, his son, Brett Shepherd. Also survived by his grandchildren: Breton Shepherd and Caitlin (Stroup) Shepherd and Collin Shepherd and Alex Wurth. Great-Grandchildren: Kennedy Elizabeth Shepherd. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Mr. Shepherd was born on his parent's farm June 2, 1925, in Eldon, Missouri. He is the second oldest son of William Cuth Shepherd and Effie Pearl (Winnop) Shepherd.
After graduating high school in 1943, he farmed in Eldon for a short time before entering the draft toward the end of the World War II. In 1945, he rose to the rank of Sergeant with the 3348th Quartermaster Truck Company (South Pacific Base Command) in the United States Army while stationed on the island of New Caledonia in the Coral Sea. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and received his Overseas Service Stripes.
Upon returning home, he graduated from the University of Missouri in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and was a member of Alpha Zeta Fraternity. After graduation, he served as County Extension agent for Newton County, Missouri (Neosho), and the 4-H Youth Development Program. He judged Guernsey and Jersey breeds throughout southwestern Missouri and was a member of American Guernsey Association.
From 1954 until 1967, he served a field representative for the Pet Milk Company in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. In 1968, he accepted a position with the Creamery Packaging Company (Crepaco) in Denver, Colorado which sold dairy processing and production equipment. He made many friends throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
He later worked for Vance Food Distributing Company where he worked until his retirement in 1997 – Arvada, Colorado. He supplied many ice cream parlors in Colorado and Wyoming with ice cream flavors and toppings! He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver and later was a member of North Platte United Methodist Church, North Platte, Nebraska.
A memorial scholarship has been established with the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation for those wishing to support young people pursing a higher education. Gifts may be sent to: Keith and Eva Lee Shepherd Scholarship Fund c/o Nebraska United Methodist Foundation 100 W. Fletcher Ave, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68521
A special thank you to all the staff at Brookestone Health and Hospice in North Platte, Nebraska for all their love and support.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.