CHARLES L. SHEPARD

BALLINGER - Charles L. Shepard, 86, went to join his heavenly father on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007. He was born at home on Oct. 16, 1920, to Lola and Charles C. Shepard of Brownwood. He attended school in Brownwood until his senior year when he moved to Ballinger to work and attend school at Ballinger High School. It was there his love for the Bearcats began. He joined the National Guard on Nov. 25, 1940. On April 12, 1941, he married the love of his life, Zelma Mosley, daughter of Carroll and Eula Mosley. He mobilized with Co. C-142nd Infantry, 36th Division. He trained at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Camp Edwards in Cape Cod, Mass., and then Camp Blanding, Fla. He went overseas from Fort Dix, N.J., on April 1, 1943. He served in North Africa, Austria, France and Italy. They traveled mainly by foot, but also in a 40 x 8 boxcar (either 40 men or eight horses), ship and truck. He was there for the invasion of Southern France. As a sergeant with the U.S. Army, and company clerk, he had to write letters home to the families of the deceased. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for the European Theater. He was discharged Jan. 29, 1945. He joked that he must have been a slow learner because he enlisted for one year, but ended up serving four and a half. He worked as farmer for several years, but then went to the oilfield where the pay was so much better - $1.60 an hour in the late '40s. He worked for Odell Howard Well Service until going to work in '56 for R.E. White Ins. Agency. He worked there for many years selling insurance and doing income tax for many of Ballinger and the surrounding towns' residents. He also worked for the Ballinger Cemetery Association and served as their president for a time. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and loved his church family, especially these past few years. He was a member of the Coachman Club and loved traveling, camping and fishing. He was a member of the Ballinger Lions Club from 1956 to the present, serving as their president in 1968. Some of his fondest memories were going to the Lions Club Camp for Children and going to the Lions Club International in Mexico City, Canada, Dallas and Atlanta. He was one of the organizers of the Co. C reunions held every year in June. He delighted in seeing and visiting with old Army buddies. He was a member of the VFW and, for many years, the Bearcat Booster Club. He was an avid fan of the Bearcats, the Dallas Cowboys, the Atlanta Braves, the Astros and the Texas Rangers baseball teams. He was preceded in death by his wife, Zelma, of 51 years; and his parents. He is survived by his precious sister, Tina Cook, and husband Bill of Buchanan Dam; two daughters, Carolyn Reavis and husband Oscar of Barksdale, and Dena Porter and husband David of Ozona; and one son, Glenn, and wife Freda of Odessa. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Catressa Garza and husband Frank and children Justin and Jaycie of San Angelo, Jodie Digby and husband Bo of Snyder, Joylynn McGrew and son Tyler of Odessa, Kelley Glidewell and husband Dustin and their sons, Gage, Grayson, and Grant of San Saba, Jamie Porras and husband Johnny and their children, Sean and Brenna of Lubbock, and Ty and Randi Porter of Lubbock. He is also survived by his wife's uncle, Lucius Evans of Norton, his lifelong friend and fishing buddy. Oh, the tales they could tell! Surviving are also many cousins, uncles, aunts, niece, nephews and friends. The family will be receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 2, at the First Baptist Church with Brother Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to Dr. Rightmire, the nurses, staff and EMTs at Ballinger Hospital, Dr. Denver Marsh, Valorie Mills, Dr. Cornell and Dr. Coates, as well as the nurses and staff on the 4th and 5th floors of Shannon, and Hospice of San Angelo. The family wants to extend a special thank you to his wonderful neighbors, Walter and Mary Davis, and Milton Redman. Memorials may be made to the Ballinger Senior Citizens Center, Cal Farley's Boys Ranch of Amarillo, and Lions Club Camp in Kerrville. War Poem: I Remember You by Mary Kay Glunt When I walk into my church, Free and without fear, I remember you. When I see children playing in the school yard, Girls and boys of all kinds, I remember you. When I see families working together, Regardless of religion or nationality, I remember you. When I go to sleep Without worry for my family's safety, I remember you. When I see our flag waving in front of my home, And when I can salute that flag without fear of reprisal, I remember you. When I remember you, I think of the sacrifices you made so I could have these things. I think of your commitment and your service beyond mere duty. I think of all that you have given so that I and those whom I love can be free. When I pray at night and give thanks For the blessings God has given, I remember you.

March 4, 2007
Bill Wood
My sympathies go out to the Shepard family. I was a classmate of Glenn and have mnay fond memories of the great example Mr. Sheppard set as a father and community leader. I also appreciate the military service he gave to our country.

March 2, 2007
Debbie (Hutton) Weir
Glenn,I was saddened to read about the loss of your Dad. He was such a dear man - was my parents 'insurance/tax man' for many many years. And I did not know until I read obit, that Lucius Evans was related - small world! Seems so many of our parents are now gone - time marches on - and WE are now the 'older generation. Prayers and sympathy to all the family.

March 1, 2007
Martha Hovorak
Dena- So very sorry to hear about your dad and you are in my prayers. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. I think of you often. God bless.

March 1, 2007
Bo Gray
I was saddened to hear of Charles passing. He was a good man and will be missed but not forgotten. My condolences to all the family and friends who loved him.