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Obituaries

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Joseph Eli Shephard, Jr.

9/4/1954 - 5/4/2025

Text:

Obituary For Joseph Eli Shephard, Jr.

Joseph Eli Shephard, Jr., 70, of Howe, Texas, passed away on May 4, 2025, in Denison, Texas

Joe was born in Heidelberg, Germany to Joe and Dorris Shephard on September 4, 1954. He experienced a true Army education from beginning kindergarten in Hawaii, to graduation in Lawton, Oklahoma. He began his higher education with Cameron College in Lawton, eventually completing his bachelor degree Summa Cum Laude at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas

Joe married Sherry McCarley, September, 1972, just after graduating high school. This marriage created two wonderful children Joey (Joseph Eli Shephard, III) and Candi Shephard.

He married Sandra King on March 28, 1993, in Wichita Falls, Texas. They brought into this world another son, Matthew Shephard. Joe considered his children his greatest achievement. All three carry on qualities of him from his dry sense of humor and quick wit, to his love of reading and animals, to his kind and loving heart.

He began his career in law enforcement with the Wichita Falls Police Department in 1976, continuing for over 20 years until he was called to work in city administration. Working in this field, again for over 20 years, he retired from the City of Howe August, 2021.

Joe is preceded in death by both parents, Joe and Dorris Shephard.

Joe is survived by his wife of over 32 years, Sandra, children Joey Shephard of Weatherford, Texas; Candi Shephard Nettles and husband Sam of Cisco, Texas; Matthew Shephard of Howe, Texas; Grandchildren, Braedyn Eickie, Taylor Shephard, Brylee Nettles and Tyler Nettles. Sisters, Kathie Powell and Karen Baxter of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Memorials may be made to BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) Sherman Chapter, P O Box 912552, Sherman, Texas 75091.

The family of Joe Shephard wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to Home Hospice of Grayson County – Medical Director Nair and all nurses caring for Joe. As well as Drs. Paul Westmoreland and Joe Kim that took extraordinary care of him.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.

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Condolences

  • 05/09/2025

    Candi Nettles

    Gosh dang it, Dad. I wasn't ready!!

  • 05/08/2025

    Tammy Grisolia

    Joe was a great man of honor and integrity. One of a kind. My heart breaks for Sandra and the other family members.

  • 05/08/2025

    johnna rosenthal

    a wonderful man with a great heart, sense of pride and duty as well as loving his wife Sandra with all his heart and soul.

  • 05/08/2025

    Bill French

    It was an honor and a privilege to work with Joe and to be his neighbor. He will be truly missed in this world. His integrity was without question and his word was his bond

  • 05/08/2025

    Barbara Alavarado

    Joe was a true leader and was so very kind and understanding with people. He and Sandra had the sweetest love story. My heart breaks for the loss of this great man.

  • 05/07/2025

    Les & Nita Hons

    We are so sorry for your loss, Joe was a good man and boss. I enjoyed the years I worked for him and having yall as neighbors. We love yall. Les & Nita

  • 05/07/2025

    Matt Whitworth

    I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for believing in me and opening the door to an amazing opportunity for me. Thank you Joe. I will never forget.

  • 05/07/2025

    Cynthia Vrla

    Sending my thoughts and prayers. I know Joe would rather be here with the love of his life and his kids. He fought hard to stay. It's now time to get back to watching baseball, go fishing, and relaxing rides in the most beautiful place. Maybe he can even get a sidecar for Snickerdoodle.

  • 05/07/2025

    Monte Walker

    I'll miss him dearly and always remember how much of a loyal person he was to his staff. He was a great leader of people and had a true kind spirit.

  • 05/07/2025

    Karen Baxter

    Joe was an exemplary Christian and a loving but ornery brother. I loved him dearly. He will be missed.

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