Bob Shepherd

Robert "Bob" Shepherd was born September 5, 1933 to Robert A. Shepherd, Sr and Bess Shepherd. Bob passed to his Lord and Savior on December 22, 2025.
Bob was led to Jesus at age 9 by his Sunday School teacher, Grace Herrington, who taught at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Grace stayed in touch with Bob throughout his life, sending him letters of encouragement every month for three years while he was in the military. Grace brought many boys at that church age 8-12 to know Christ and Bob and never forgot her.
Bob attended high school in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, played basketball (when he grew tall enough) and went on to Oklahoma Baptist University for his undergraduate degree and later his master's degree in finance and accounting from Central State University-now University of Central Oklahoma.
During his time at OBU, Bob was part of the youth led revivals that involved many local churches. For Bob and those with him it was, in his own words, "a wonderful God-given time especially for young people to get to know Christ as Savior." Along with student pastor Lavon Brown, music leader Carl Corley and Bob as pianist, the young men stayed in the home of church members as they traveled from town to town bringing the joy of Christ to revival meetings.
Bob's life took a turn from college led revivals when he was drafted into the US Army in 1957. He was assigned to Ft. Carson, Colorado and after basic training was placed in the Ranger 8th Infantry Division and shipped to Ulm, Germany. Bob's expressed love of Jesus prompted the division chaplain, Alvin Applequist to recruit Bob as his assistant, although Bob was quick to say they were soldiers first! Bob achieved the rank of Sgt during his military service and was proud to have been named "Soldier of the Month" out of 8,000 soldiers during his enlistment. Bob also remembered a time when those 8,000 voices were raised singing" Amazing Grace" while he accompanied them on the pump organ. Later, pastors in Ulm requested American soldiers sing during a Christmas service in the Ulm Minister, the tallest church, not only in Germany, but the world. There, 80 American soldiers sang "O Holy Night" in the cathedral that held thousands of parishioners. Bob rejoiced at being able to take part in celebrating the miracle of Jesus's birth in that beautiful church.
Bob's professional life was, like his military life, one of service. He worked for Agee Products and Company in Oklahoma eventually becoming VP of Finance for Budgets and Banking. Agee provided decorative wood molding for homes and businesses and sold products nationwide. After Agee sold their business, Bob worked for Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company. He fondly remembered his General Agent there, Jim Nicely. In addition to Jim, Bob met many friends there that today he meets at Crossing's Men's group for Bible study and fellowship. He has said many times how much he treasured those relationships. After Connecticut Mutual, Bob became a financial advisor at United Planners and Brokers out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Due to his professional expertise, he was awarded several trips within the USA and Europe. Bob's career in finance allowed him to serve clients in 28 states. He contacted each of them annually-in person or by phone. As always, the people surrounding Bob in his work life were viewed by him as a blessing-Karman Scott, Susan Ray and Lynnda Cosgrove among others.
Bob made many friends over the course of his life and introduced many to Jesus. His life is an example of service and love. His time at Crossings Church was especially precious to him and he touched the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed, but we rejoice he is finally at home in the arms of Jesus.