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BORN
1967
DIED
2024
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Edward Shepard Obituary
04/22/1967 - 12/14/2024
Edward Kenneth Shepard, 57, passed away December 14, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his family. He fought a brief and difficult battle with cancer but died peacefully with little pain.
Ed, the youngest of six, was born in Alma, Michigan, on April 22, 1967. He attended Ferris, where he earned Bachelor degrees in Accounting and Computer Information Systems, as well as a Master's in Business Administration. For 39 years, he made Ferris his home, holding positions as varied as computer support and Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Enterprises; his final title was Director of Accounting. Ed knew Ferris from the roof of Cramer Hall to the steam pipe tunnels and built relationships with people across campus. He measured his success in personal connections.
Above all else, Ed was fully devoted to his family. Every Sunday for over thirty years, up to five generations of the family would gather for dinner after church. In the past two decades, he took every opportunity to spend time with his wife and kids, rarely missing an event. Ed would spend his spare time making his famous candy, cheesecake, and maple syrup. He helped on his father-in-law's farm after work. He also enjoyed driving his family around the country for annual vacations, exploring 45 states with them.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Edward Lewis Shepard; sister, Lorna Kaufman; and brother, Emery Shepard. Ed will be waiting for his wife, Melinda Shepard; children, James, Jennifer, and Janessa Shepard; mother, Gloria (Elvin) Woodcock; brother, Terry Shepard; sisters, Evelyn Miller and Lorraine Crawford; closest friends and in-laws, Jim and Sue Goyings; brother-in-law, Jeff (Megan) Goyings; and several nieces and nephews, in Heaven.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 11 a.m. at The Woods Free Methodist Church, Stanwood. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, Big Rapids, and on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions can be made to Stanwood Free Methodist Church for the purpose of supporting those with long-term medical-related expenses, or to Mid Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters to sponsor a child in Alma, MI. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit, www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Shepard
1 Entry
Karen Royster-James
December 17, 2024
Ed was an extraordinary person, and I feel truly fortunate to have crossed paths with him. He had a remarkable ability to brighten any room with his infectious smile. I can´t recall a single instance of Ed being in a bad mood; his cheerful disposition always seemed to prevail.
He embodied genuine kindness and generosity, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. Ed had a hearty, contagious laugh that could lift anyone's spirits, and his honesty fostered a sense of trust.
I vividly remember one particular day when I was feeling quite tired. Ed drove by in his truck, and noticing my weariness, he immediately stopped to offer me a ride. That simple act of kindness not only saved me the walk but also reminded me of the supportive colleague he was.
Ed truly was a blessing, and his absence will be deeply felt by many. His kindness and positivity will continue to inspire me. A quote that reminds me of Ed is, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
With appreciation,
Karen Royster-James, M.S.Ed.
Director, ASC & SLA
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Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home - Big Rapids13985 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
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