Lloyd G. Shepard

Lloyd G. Shepard, age 88 of Hastings passed away May 6, 2011 at Pennock Hospital. He was born August 18, 1922 in Lakeview, Michigan, the son of Lawrence and Georgina (Culver) Shepard. Lloyd was raised and attended school in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the US Army as a radio operator 309, participating in two beach heads in the Philippines and other operations. Lloyd served with the 96th Infantry Division Anti Tank Company, during World War II. "Once a Dead-eye always a Dead-eye". He married Vivian E. Reed on November 9, 1946. From 1946 to 1966 Lloyd was a dairy farmer. In 1966 he apprenticed with Dan Arnold in Shelbyville, TN; and became a well known Tennessee Walking Horse Farrier in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. He was a charter member of the Barry County Sheriff Posse, he was a member of the original Barry County Sheriff Posse, formed in 1955. Lloyd served several years as a Lieutenant, and held the position of Captain when he ended 22 years of tenure by taking an honorary membership. He also held a Lifetime Membership in the State of Michigan Sheriff Posse. Lloyd was nominated for 1996 Positive Action for Tomorrow (PAT). He was a 4-H leader, starting the Woodland 4-H Horse Club. He attended the First Baptist Church. Lloyd was a member of Charlton Park Gas & Steam Club, the Clarksville Steam & Gas Association, Barry County Steam & Gas Antique Tractor Association; and enjoyed showing his Oliver 60 Row Crop (that he purchased new in 1946) with his son, grandson and great-grandson. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence & Georgiana Shepard, and brothers: Perry Shepard and Keith Shepard. He is survived by his wife, Vivian E. Shepard of Hastings, MI, daughter, Jody Shepard of Mason, MI, son, Larry "Bill" Shepard of Freeport, MI, 3 grandchildren 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Barry County Sheriff Posse, Community Baptist Church 502 E. Grand St. Hastings, Mi.49058, or a Charity of one's choice. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Girrbach Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 12, 2011, 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Hastings, Pastor Floyd Hughes and David Wood officiating. Private family burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Please visit our website to leave a message or memory to the family at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.