Born: April 11, 1949

Died: March 19, 2013

Albert T. Shepard, 63, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Cassopolis, died Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in his residence.

Albert was born April 11, 1949, in Olive Hill, Tenn., to Berl and Lillian (Downing) Shepard. His parents preceded him in death. He was also preceded by two brothers, Berl Shepard Jr., and Jimmy Earl Shepard. He served in the U.S. Army.

Al celebrated his retirement by enjoying the warm Arizona climate and the great outdoors. He loved gardening, working on his motorcycle and barbequing with his neighbors.

Al was known to love cross country road trips where he would visit his friends and family. Being the grandpa that he was, he enjoyed visiting his grandkids where he would sleep under the stars and delight them with motorcycle rides and stories. He enjoyed guns and was the first to show his children how to point and shoot.

Al taught his children how to be resourceful, not to waste and to be innovative.

Those close to Al know he lived freely and that he enjoyed life and his days in the sunshine.

Albert will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by three daughters, Kelly (Mark) Johnson of Letcher, S.D., Sheri (Forrest) Crock of Norfolk, Va., Holly (Trevor) Frandsen of Panguitch, Utah; one stepson, John (Tasha) Humble of Salisbury, Md.; 10 grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Schreiber of Pullman; and one brother, Herschel (Jeanine) Shepard of Edwardsburg.

Family and friends will gather on Monday, April 1, at 11 a.m.in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis, with the Rev. Mark Saylor officiating.

Military honors will be provided by the combined Honor Guard of the William E. Lozier V.F.W. Post 10704 and Efton James American Legion Post 206.

Mr. Shepard’s remains will be scattered in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee that he loved so much.

In lieu of memorial contributions, his family hopes you donate a moment of your time in the service of someone in need in remembrance of Albert

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online memories and messages of sympathy may be posted at wagnercares.com.