Wayne LeRoy Shepard

Peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on Friday Oct.9, 2009. Wayne was born in Kalamazoo on Oct. 21, 1931 the son of Glenn and Mabel Shepard, brother to Lloyd Shepard, all deceased. Married to Kathleen Keivet, June 6, 1952. They spent 32 years together before Kathleen's death in 1983. Wayne was fortunate to find love again and married Bonnie Slager on Dec. 31, 1986. Wayne was a veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean War, and then spent his life as a Plumber, Plumbing Inspector and certification instructor. Although Wayne was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, he enjoyed spending the cold winters in sunny Arizona with the numerous friends he made there. Wayne leaves behind his wife, Bonnie Slager-Shepard, a son Michael (Lynn) Shepard of Schoolcraft, 3 daughter, Patricia (Keith) Olive of Calimesa, CA, Linda (Tim) Cohrs of Kalamazoo, Janet Shepard of Flagstaff, AZ, grandchildren Jared and Brian Shepard, Marci, Greg, Leslie and Phillip DeHaan and Kelly Huizinga, nieces, nephew, cousins, several stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wayne enjoyed family, hunting, Mackinaw Island (especially the fudge!), Lake Michigan sunsets and morning coffee with his friends. The family would like to thank Rose Arbor Hospice for their kindness, warm compassion and gentle care during Wayne's last days. The family would also like to thank the multitude of friends and extended family who visited Wayne continually in his last days and provided love and support. Wayne was truly loved and touched many lives in his 77 years. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at 2pm at Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church, 9316 Oakland Dr., Portage. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gideon's or Rose Arbor Hospice.