Ernest Shepherd III

1946 - 2022

Ernest Shepherd III, 76, of Lothian passed away July 19, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 16, 1946, in Annapolis to Ernest Shepherd, Jr. and Doris Elizabeth (Cramer) Shepherd Phibbons. Ernie was raised in Harwood and graduated from Southern High School. After high school, Mr. Shepherd attended the University of Maryland, then joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Bergheim, Germany receiving an honorable discharge. He married Joan Elizabeth Goode on July 15, 1967, in Pensacola, FL and they made their home in Lothian. Ernie worked for the State of Maryland, Arlington County Government, and Prince George's County Government, before his retirement in 2008. He was involved with the Boy Scouts as a boy and became a Boy Scout Troop Leader as an adult. Ernie was an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in West River serving in many different roles including Parish Council as past president, Eucharistic Minister, and Money Counter. He was a member of the Lothian Ruritan Club since 1977 and served as past president of the local chapter as well as past Lt. Governor of the Maryland State Ruritan Club. Ernie was a charter member of the Harwood- Lothian Volunteer Fire Department where he served as a past volunteer chief. He was also a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau, Southern Maryland Promoter's, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels program. Ernie was a gentleman farmer who enjoyed goose hunting, antique tractor pulling, and drag racing at Capitol Raceway. He was a mentor and a friend to many, he "never met a stranger", as well as a wonderful storyteller. Ernie was the epitome of a "family man" dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and pets. He will be greatly missed by all. Ernie is survived by his wife of 55 years Joan Elizabeth Shepherd of Lothian, children Michael Robert Shepherd (Shelly Perkins) of Lothian, Karen Shepherd Weimer (Mike) of Gore, VA, and Carole Nutwell (Chris Lantier) of Lothian, grandchildren Eleanor Kretzschmar (Robert), Mary Kaphon (Alex), George Graves (Reanna), and Elizabeth Roberts (Chris), and great-grandchildren Henry and Dean Kretzschmar with 2 more on the way. He is also survived by his siblings Jean Krebs (William), Jane Bishop (Richard), Nancy Hill and stepsister JohnnieAnn (Gary) Franklin and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephews David Franklin, Jonathon White, William Lauer Jr. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 24 from 2-5 PM, at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Owings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 25 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, West River, MD. Donations in his memory may be sent to the Lothian Ruritan Club, C/o J J Bernard Lerch lll, 5407 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711-9704.