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Wesley Shepard Obituary
Wesley T. Shepard
February 28, 1927 - July 31, 2021
Dr. Wesley T. Shepard, 94, joined his Savior in Heaven on July 31, 2021 while surrounded by his family at Journey House in Lincoln, NE. He and his twin brother, Les, were born on February 28, 1927, in Omaha, the sons of Rev. Theodore and Ethel (Fredrickson) Shepard. Wes graduated from Morgan Park High School in Duluth, Class of 1944. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Navy as Quartermaster 1st Class on the USS Teton, being present for the signing of the Instrument of Unconditional Surrender in the Pacific and the occupation of Japan during World War II.
He returned to the US, earning a Bachelors in Education from Midland College and his Masters and Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska. Wes married Rose Meduna from Weston, NE, on July 11th, 1958. They had four children: Denise Liechty of St. Charles, IL, Greg Shepard of Cambridge, Mark Shepard of Fremont, Scott Shepard of Ashland, NE. Wes and Rose recently celebrated their 62nd Anniversary with their extended family.
"Doc" served as Superintendent of Schools at Weston, Norris, and Elmwood, NE and in Zion, IL. He coached basketball across the communities in which he served, having over 500 High School Wins and being inducted into both the Nebraska High School Sports and National High School Coaches Association Halls of Fame. He was asked to prepare the Chinese National Basketball Team as they re-entered the 1984 Olympics, traveling to Xian for three months. One of his greatest joys was running basketball camps to build skill, character, and have the opportunity to share Christ with the next generations.
Leaving a legacy of loving God and serving people, his four children followed in his footsteps as school administrators and six grandchildren as teachers and coaches. He impacted his community by serving as an American Legion Post Commander, leading the Christian Business Mens' Association, facilitating FCA Groups, volunteering in his church, and authoring two books: Basketball, A Family Affair and Soar With The Titans: A Norris History.
In addition to his parents, Wes is preceded in death by his twin brother, Les, and great grand-daughter, Aya. Surviving in addition to his wife, Rose, are his four children and their spouses, sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who call him "Grandpa Doc."
A celebration of life will be held at 11 am, Saturday, August 7th at Indian Hills 1000 S 84th St, Lincoln, NE. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Wes in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Indian Hills Church, Nebraska Coaches Hall of Fame, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Arrangements by Marcy & Svoboda Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wesley Shepard
Jerry Wurtz
August 8, 2021
What a wonderful, warm gentleman. And such a great smile. I had the privilege of ushering with him at church for many years. He will be missed.
Steve & Nancy Carsten
August 7, 2021
Doc was such a dedicated coach & loved those he coached as his own. To God be the glory!!
John and Roxanne Gustafson
August 7, 2021
Praying for all of you. It was a blessing knowing him as a brother in Christ and a good friend. Many fond memories on the basketball court.
Julie
August 5, 2021
I ALWAYS SO ENJOYED Waiting on Wes when I worked at the HWY 2 Walmart Pharmacy!!! He was ALWAYS SO Pleasant and SUCH a Distinguished man!!! My Deepest Sympathy to his family. What a Remarkable man!!!!!
Cynthia J Barnes
August 5, 2021
I was a freshman at Craig High School and Coach Shepard was in his first or second year of leading a basketball team to a successful season. His father was the minister at our church. This was back in 1952. If he were to see me today, he would remember who I was. He was that kind of person - always interested in people and had a wining way with getting the best from people. Glad we had a chance to have him as a coach. Prayers to his family.
Kendra Wolph (Pointer)
August 4, 2021
What a wonderful man he was. Never saw a frown on his face. Something that will always stay with me is You got to believe how true this is now more than ever
Richard and Karen Way
August 4, 2021
Rose and family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us over the years. He was such an inspiration to all of us. We will never forget the way he mentored our son and many others to love basketball. RIP my dear friend.
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