MSG (Ret) John P. "Shep" Shepherd

September 29, 1970 - May 13, 2017

MSG (Ret) John P. “Shep” Shepherd was born September 29, 1970 in McComb, Mississippi where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1988. He was a talented trumpet player throughout Junior High and High School playing frequent solos for the band. He was honored be First and Second Chair throughout high school. After graduation, Shep entered the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully until his medical retirement in 2006 after 18 years of service. For his faithful service, he earned numerous awards and commendations. In November 2004, Shep was transferred to Fort Leonard Wood. His final assignment from 2005-2006, was serving as Superintendent of Veh OPS, 366th Squadron Det 7 Brown Hall. While in the military, Shep continued his education and earned his Associate’s Degree. On September 10, 2004, Shep was united in marriage to Yolanda Viollette York in San Antonio, Texas. They shared over 12 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. After moving to the Fort Leonard Wood area, Shep began attending Hickory Hills Baptist Church. He loved studying his Bible and was currently enrolled with Liberty University to earn his Bachelor’s in Theology. After returning home to Magnolia, Mississippi, Shep enjoyed being able to go to his childhood church despite his illness he made every effort to attend faithfully every Sunday and Wednesday evening service. Shep went home to his father in Heaven Saturday, May 13, 2017 in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri having lived a blessed 46 years. He will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Shep leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife: Yolanda Viollette Shepherd of Magnolia, MS; his parents: Robert Fleming of McComb, MS, and Connie and Thomas Shepherd of Magnolia, MS; sister: Jessica Boyd (Chris) of Magnolia, MS; nephew: Shawn Vielee; mother-in-law: Yolanda R. York; brother-in-law: Merl York; sister-in-law: Sharon Foster (Joseph) and their seven children; aunt: Dorothy McCardle (Jimmy) and their daughter Diana McCardle; aunt: Martha Scott, son Gregg and daughter Jennifer Armagost; aunt: Charlotte Williams; cousins: Jason Williams (Tonia) and son Caden, Heather Fortenberry (Lee) and children Colby and Keely, Breanna Burris (Scott); uncle Mark Shepherd (Julie) and sons Clay (Christy), JT (Lindsey) and Jacob; San Antonio parents: Harry Abbott and Robin Dodson; Missouri Momma: Gloria Thomas; very special friends: Jim Bolton and Ted Hammock of St. Robert, MO; several other relatives and friends. Shep was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Robert Henry and Mary Lee Fleming; maternal grandparents: Wilbur Bill Williams and Minnie Mae Williams; paternal grandparents: Ray and Anita Shepherd; uncle: Wilbur Larry Williams (Kathy) “Monk” to Phil; and cousin: Ben Williams. Services were held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in the Hickory Hills Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Rev. Leo Gladden officiating. Music was provided by Jaurel Fincher, Jimmy and Linda Humphrey, Amanda Davis and the congregation. Interment with military honors was held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 in the Bluff Spring Cemetery of Magnolia, Mississippi. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Shepherd and may be left at the funeral home.