Larry "Joe" Shephard

Larry Joe Shephard

Blanchard – Larry Joe (Shep) Shephard passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on January 19, 2022, at 720pm, surrounded by his loving family, at Southwestern University of Texas after a long battle and awaiting a double lung transplant.
He was welcomed into this world on September 23, 1956, in Winfield, Kansas, and was the 3rd of 5 children, son of late, Chester and Ruby Arlene (Calvin) Shephard. After moving to Oklahoma City at an early age and attending Hillcrest Elementary school, Larry Joe graduated from US Grant as a General, Class of 1975.
He found a job in a local sporting store (3D lettering) in the 6th grade and held this job all through his high school years, often being envied but admired, for having a job, by his classmates.
In 1975 shortly after graduation he landed a job with OG&E starting out as a lineman, later working his way up to a site manager, which was his passion and love in the work world. He was a hard worker, who was passionate and dedicated to providing his best in all these services.
Larry Joe’s other passions in life were golfing (or as he referred to it, (as hitting a ball) and the Oklahoma State Cowboys, he was an extremely dedicated fan, who loved to tailgate with family and friends, while attending as many home games as he possibly could.
However, Larry Joe’s most important and greatest accomplishments of his life which are his beautiful wife JoDean, and his son Cody Shephard, and other children. JoEtta Akins, FrankieLou Stafford and Wesley Bell. And his 11 grandchildren and soon to be great grandchild due in July 2022. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, to which he would always talk about with such praise and regard. Just a little note, most all the grandbabies referred to him as papa at a young age, and later this was changed to (pops).
Larry Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Chester and Ruby Arlene Shephard, and his younger brother Jerry Shephard.
He is survived by his wife JoDean of the home, his son Cody and (daughter-in-law)Kim Shephard and granddaughter Hayden Jo of Fulton, Missouri, daughter JoEtta and (son-in-law)Brock Akins and grandchildren BayLea and Hunter of McLoud Oklahoma, daughter FrankieLou and (son-in-law)Jeremy Stafford and grandchildren Kaleb, Kamden, Lane and Ethan of Yukon, Oklahoma and son Wesley Bell and (daughter-in-law)Carrie Usry and grandchildren Trevor Usry, Kyle Usry, Cheyenne Bell and Paytenn (Rayray)Bell of Blanchard, Oklahoma.
He is also survived by his brother Bobby Shephard of Oklahoma City, his sister Jackie Shephard of Edmond Oklahoma, and his baby sister Gladys Hamilton of Oklahoma City, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, long time neighbors and friends, and his lifelong school friends.
Also, a big thank you and a lots of love and prayers goes out to his lifelong childhood friends, Robert Allen Strider of Oklahoma City, Reverend David Hodges of Oklahoma City and Reverend Bobby Altstatt of Oklahoma City, who have assisted and guided Larry Joe’s wife, through this whole difficult process, known to her as (the 3 wise men).
In addition, his beloved Chihuahua and support animal, OSU Pistol Pete, is also mourning.
Larry Joe will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
The world as we know it is a little less bright, but the heavens are glowing brightly with the addition of this adorable, loving, caring and strong man.
Please help us celebrate Larry Joe’s life by sharing a personal memory or message on the website tribute wall at www.ResthavenOKC.com.
Viewing and visitation with family will be on January 27th, 2022, at Resthaven Funeral Home from 400pm to 800pm.
Funeral Services will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, located at 500 SW 104TH Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on January 28th, 2022, at 200pm.
Reverend David Hodges and Reverend Bobby Altstatt will be officiating, with graveside services to follow.
Family requests to please wear a mask at the event, if possible.