DON HAROLD SHEPARD

Don Harold Shepard, 86, of Jefferson City, died Friday, April 18, 2008, at St. Marys Health Center. Don was born in Climax KS, December 29, 1921, the only child of Albert Harvey Shepard and Iva Pottorff Shepard. Don joined the Marine Corps June 3, 1940, shortly after graduation from Severy High School, Severy KS. He served in WWII in the South Pacific and loved to recount details of his adventures. He was honorably discharged September 22, 1942 but reenlisted a few years later. He was headed for Korea but was released in late January of 1951. He loved the Marine Corps and attended as many reunions as possible up until last fall. He especially loved talking to the younger Marines, congratulating them and encouraging them in their endeavors. His years in the Marines and his many years in Alaska were favorite topics and sure to captivate listeners for hours. Don loved to travel and lived in Kansas, California, Colorado, Alaska, New Mexico and Missouri during his lifetime. Don married Virginia Alice Davis June 1, 1946. They had three children, Kathryn, David and Stephen before their marriage ended in 1960. He married Beverly Grover in Anchorage and later moved to New Mexico with his then wife, Mildred. They made their home in Hurley, NM until the year of her death. At age 78 he moved to Jefferson City, MO to be near his dear friend and childhood sweetheart, Betty Jo DeLong. Don is survived by his childhood sweetheart and dearest friend, Betty Jo DeLong. He loved her family, Joe II, Mozelle, Greg, and all their children, as he did his own. He spoke of them often and cared for all of them deeply. They welcomed him as a family member and shared their hearts and homes, especially during the holidays. Don was a gentleman, a father and friend and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by four children: Kathryn (Paul) Jensen, College Station TX; David (Chris) Shepard, College Station TX; Steve (Penny) Shepard, Arivaca AZ; and Michael (Chrissy) Williams, Puyallup WA. Don is survived by eight grandchildren: Beverly Blincoe, Deborah (Larry) Missildine, Jason (Tammy) Jensen, Michael Jensen, Elizabeth Shepard, David E. (Margaret) Shepard, Kaylee and Tysin Williams; and five great-grandchildren, Jordan Blincoe, Travis Hubacek, Trevor Hubacek, Heather Kamalanie Asagra and Alexandra Ross. Don was preceded in death by doting grandparents and his parents, Albert and Iva Shepard, and a grandson, Clinton Lee Blincoe. A memorial service including military honors will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2008 at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Carter officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Don Shepard Memorial Fund. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.