John M. Shepard Jr

SHEPARD, John M. Jr. went home to be with his Lord on June 20, 2018, after a long illness. John was born in Middletown, Ohio, on May 20, 1947 to John and Alma (Mobley) Shepard. John married Barbara Jane Leimenstoll on June 7, 1969. They were happily married for 49 years. John was a devoted husband and father and a good friend, and he will be remembered by all for his quick wit. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family and friends. His professional life was dedicated to elementary education, as he worked for 32 years in the Franklin and Middletown City School Districts. After retiring he taught reading part-time for six additional years. John attended St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Middletown. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. (2010) and Alma (2015); his sister, Carolyn Gunckle (2018); and a brother-in-law, Marvin (2010). He is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Jennifer Miller, his sons Michael (Betsy) Shepard and Brian Shepard, four grandchildren: Hunter (Kyley) Miller, Jordan Miller, Carter Miller, and Evelyn Shepard, and two great-grandchildren, Gracie and Maverick. He is also survived by his brother-in-law David (Phyllis) Leimenstoll, sisters-in-law Pam (Richard) Lawson and Janet Leimenstoll, niece Stacey Gunckle, nephew Bradley (Shannon) Gunckle, grand-niece Hannah, grand-nephew Braden, and many, many friends. John's family would like to thank friends and family for the many visits and prayers during his illness and would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff members at the Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties for making his last days comfortable and peaceful. A visitation will be held 1:00-3:00 pm Sunday, July 1, 2018 at St. Luke Presbyterian Church (280 N Breiel Blvd, Middletown, OH 45042) with a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 pm, reception to follow. The private interment service will involve immediate family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bakerstevensparramore.com. Flowers are appreciated, but in lieu of flowers donations can be made in John’s honor to Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties (mail to the attention of the Hospice of Dayton Foundation, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420) or to St. Luke Presbyterian Church (280 N Breiel Blvd, Middletown, OH 45042).