Larry W. Shepard, 77, of Swan Creek, Illinois, passed away at 5:20 a.m. Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Courtyard Estates/Betty’s Garden in Monmouth, Illinois surrounded by his family. He was born February 23, 1947, in Bushnell, Illinois, the son of Wayne and Phyllis Shepard. He was raised and educated in Bushnell.
He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and was a Medic during Vietnam. One of Larry’s fondest achievements as a medic was delivering a baby. He loved to tell the story to anyone who would listen.
He married Judy Frank on November 9, 1973, in Walnut Grove and she survives.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Judy; children, Ron (Toni) Wayland of Kirksville, MO, Mary Detrick of Canyon Lake, TX, Larry W. Shepard, Jr. of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Hailey Wayland of Aledo, IL, Chelsey Detrick of Canyon Lake, TX, Robert (Brandon) Richardson of Dahinda, IL, Taylor (Brody) Haynes of Oquawka, IL; great-grandchildren, Amari, Kage and Body; sisters, Diana Ward, Deb Goff and Christy Tarpion. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Husky, Psymba.
He worked for Wilson Foods in Monmouth for 18 years and later as a Union Rep. until his retirement in 2002. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, he received the Boonie Crocket award for Big Buck of the Year for a Whitetail deer that he harvested, and going to their cabin on the river. He was a member of the Bushnell V.F.W for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Roseville Township Cemetery, Roseville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bushnell VFW or Bushnell VFW Auxiliary. Moore Memorial Home, Roseville, is handling the arrangements.
