Date of Birth: November 10, 1928
Date of Death: February 17, 2023
Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the son of William Ralph Shepard and Bernice Haskins, he was raised on a farm and educated in New England schools. Drafted in 1952, he served as a medic in the Army of Occupation in Germany. He would eventually complete 28 years in the Army Reserve, successfully retiring as a Master Sergeant. When a first marriage ended in divorce, young Robert raised three children on his own. Eventually gaining employment with the Veteran's Administration hospital system, he would go on to enjoy a successful career and earn his retirement with this agency. Transferred to Arizona in 1974, he assumed the duties of Chief of S.P.D. at the Phoenix VA hospital. He was soon joined by the love of his life, Carol, and they were soon married. Together they embraced the joys of Arizona living. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, they could be seen many weekends riding and exploring, antiquing and visiting estate sales. Robert was a lifelong Freemason and a member of King David Lodge of Taunton, Massachusetts. He was also a Shriner with the El Zaribah temple of Phoenix, where he was a member of the Motor Patrol. He was predeceased in death by his son, Robert Wayne Shepard, and a stepson, Jeffrey S. Edwards. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol. He is also survived by two daughters; Rebecca Friary of Taunton, Massachusetts and Cynthia Munnerlyn, of Decatur, Texas. He is also survived by two stepsons, Gerald Edwards Jr., of Camp Verde, Arizona, and Jonathan L. Edwards, of Peoria, Arizona, as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Service Information
Per his request, he will be cremated. No formal ceremony is planned.
Contributions
The family would appreciate donations in Robert W. Shepard's name to be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.