John B. Shepherd, Jr.
October 04, 2011
John B. Shepherd Jr., 79, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at Mercy Hospice Johnston, from a stroke. He had endured a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
John was born to John and Myrtle Shepherd on October 19, 1931, in Des Moines. He attended East High School and served in the 11th Airborne Division of the Army as a paratrooper during the Korean War. John was a salesman for American Chickle Gum, sharing his treats with the neighborhood children, and then began his real estate career in 1981.
John was an active Masonic member, belonging to Pioneer Lodge #22 and Home Lodge #370, and volunteered with the Legion of Honor through the Shriners. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 89 in Pleasant Hill.
John was a member of the First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines for over 50 years. He had a passion for sprint race cars especially those in Knoxville.
John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlene. Daughters, Victoria “Vicki” Shepherd and Terri (Tim) Cooper. Grandson, Thomas John (Melissa) Thieme and great-granddaughters, Rylee Victoria and Shelby Nichole Thieme. Granddaughter, Emily Jean “Sweet Pea” Thieme. Step-grandchildren, Jeremy Cooper and Kelsey Cooper. And a host of other family and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Robert, Roxie, Bill, Ray, Tom, Russell, Cecil, Helen, and Ike.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, 8250 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston. Family will greet friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, Mercy Hospice Johnston, or On With Life in Ankeny.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Janet Nelson
10/10/2011
Darlene, Vicki, Terri, Tim, Thomas & Melissa, Emily, Rylee and Shelby,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Of course it was good to see
you Darlene and Vicki, I just enjoyed meeting Terri and Tim,
Thomas and Melissa, and their two and Emily. One knows children
grow up so it is so neat to get to meet Thomas and Emily after so
many years when they used to come to Des Moines to visit family
here. I don't think I ever met Terri or my memory may be slipping.
Blessings on your family. In Christian Love Janet & Jerry Nelson
Jo Rasmussen
10/09/2011
Our hearts are heavy at Gleaner's Chapter for the passing of a wonderful man. John always brought such fun and celebration to any event Darlene and John participated in at Guthrie Center. He enjoy life and shared in the joy of living with others he touched.
May God be with you during this time of grief.
Jo Rasmussen
Gleaner's Chapter, Guthrie Center officer
Guthrie Center, Iowa
Col.Bert Kurland
10/08/2011
On behalf of the Officers and men of the 11th Airborne Division Association
we wish to extend our sincere regrets on the passing of Trooper Shepherd.
We extend to his spouse and members of his family and friends ourdeepest sympathies over this loss. He is in God's hands now.
Bert Kurland, President
11th Airborne Division Assoc.
Kris Thompson
10/06/2011
Darlene,
So sorry to read about John's passing. We have missed him at the races
the past couple of years. John was such a great guy. We will all miss
him.. I know the last couple of years has not been kind to John. Think of all the good times.
John's racing buddies from Knoxville.
Butch and Kris Thompson
Kandi Petersen
10/06/2011
Darlene and Family: John was a truly nice person, a gentle man and very spirited. He could make a person feel welcome at any time and totally at ease. His humor and kindness will be missed along with his easy smile. Please accept my deepest sincere condolences.
Bruce and Jan Reece
10/06/2011
Darlene our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have many good memories of the times we shared with you and John at Eastern Star in Osceola. Just wanted you to know we were thinking of you.
Carol Miner
10/06/2011
Darlene & Family: So sorry to learn of your loss. I know John will be greatly missed by the family as well as his Eastern Star family.
Will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.
In Star love, Carol