Lee Alma Shepherd

Lee Alma Shepherd, a life long resident of Spanish Fork passed away on Friday January 20, 2012. Lee served his family well and provided for their every need by serving and working in the community of Spanish Fork for over 40 years. He owned and operated Shepherd's Shoe Repair where he repaired torn shoes, replaced on that favorite pair of boots, and if you were a real cowboy you purchased your boots from Lee. Lee was born March 8, 1926 to Mose Trader and Lily Cox Shepherd and was the sixth child in a family of 8. When he was a young boy he lost his hearing due to a childhood disease. At the time Lee could remember how sad and upset his parents, siblings , family and friends were. But he remembered with a smile on his face that it was kind of OK, because everyone spoiled him with almost anything he wanted. Lee had fond memories of the amount of kindness that was showered on him by so many caring and loving people throughout his lifetime. When it was time for Lee to start school his parents enrolled him in the Ogden School for the Deaf and Blind. It was difficult for him to leave his family every Fall and stay in Ogden for nine months with only a visit home during the Christmas break. He was active in school sports and earned the Champion Boxing title. After his Senior year of High School he returned home to Spanish Fork with a desire to start his own business in the trade of shoe making and repair which he had learned at a school. With the assistance of his Mother, his dream came true. Lee also had another dream, and that was to marry his High School sweetheart, Geraldine McArthur. Lee and Gerry married on August 20, 1947 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together they had five children and enjoyed the opportunity of raising 4 of them to adulthood. Terry (Lil) Shepherd, Kent (Kathy) of Spanish Fork, Robert (JaNene) Shepherd of Washington, Utah, Diane (Kelly) Vinanti of Hurricane, Utah, Lee Jr. deceased. When Lee wasn't working in the Shoe Shop, you could find him fishing and hunting. In the early days he had a truck and camper and eventually built a cabin by Soldier Creek Reservoir which he and Gerry enjoyed very much, and spent lots of time there with family and friends. Lee has been involved with the Deaf Association of Utah and shared his many talents of how to build successful business. He served as Bishop of the Deaf Ward of the LDS Church in Provo for several years where he and Gerry attended church every Sunday and enjoyed the company of their many wonderful friends. Lee was a great example to his Children and Grandchildren to show how working hard and having a great work ethic creates success. Lee has created a legacy to be handed down to his 12 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren who he was so proud of. When ever he saw them his eyes would light up and fill with tears. They made him laugh and smile and you could just see how much he loved each and every one of them. Spanish Fork was Dad's Heaven on Earth. He could not understand why anyone would want to move away from here, he never did and was perfectly content. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday January 24, 2012 in the LDS Cambridge Ward Chapel 275 S. 1400 E Spanish Fork at 11 A.M. Friends and family may visit Walker Mortuary 195 S Main Street Spanish Fork, Monday January 23, 2012 6-8 P.M. or at the Church Tuesday, 9:45-10:45 A.M. Burial will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.