Keith Shepard

Keith Shepard, age 83 of Gatesville, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, surrounded by his family. 

Keith Duane Shepard was born at home in Hillsdale County, Michigan on June 3, 1940, to the late Robert and Mildred Shepard of Osseo, Michigan.  In high school, Keith joined the Rifle Club and earned several awards, including Sharpshooter, Marksman 1^st Class, Indoor Rifle Champion, Expert Rifleman, and Pro-Marksman.  He joined the United States Navy in 1958 and trained as a machinist in the engine room.  His service included time on the USS Springfield in the Mediterranean Sea.  Keith was discharged from active duty in 1962. 

Keith married Ann Hammond in 1963, and the two moved to East Lansing Michigan where he attended Michigan State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology.  Keith joined the United States Wildlife Service after graduating in 1967, and he and Ann moved to Reno, Nevada.  As part of his job, Keith was stationed in several remote areas where he had to work from a central camp location.

In 1973, Keith and his family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he started a new career in ultra-pure water purification at Hydro Services. He sold and designed water systems and also managed a staff at the company.  This was a challenge to Keith, but one that he was fully capable of taking on.  While working for Hydro Services, Keith began writing and producing a technical newsletter that was used for employee training and education.  He continued in this position until his retirement in 2007.  

Keith was a talented man and found many opportunities to put his talents to use.  He was always known as a kind and patient man.  If something needed to be done, Keith probably knew how to do it.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Gatesville and also served as an Elder.  He will be greatly missed, but we know that he is with his Lord who he loved and served daily.  He is now free of pain as he is in paradise as promised by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and older brother, Marvin Shepard.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann; children, Marie of Coryell County, Brian of Asheville, North Carolina, Marla of Franklin, North Carolina, and Lea of Asheville, North Carolina; sister, Vonda Holly of Alabama; and grandchildren, Evan Jones, Collin Jones, Ryan Jones, Phoenix Dalrymple, Finley Dalrymple, Phineas Dalrymple, and Fifer Dalrymple.