Johnny Carl Shepherd

Johnny Carl Shepherd, 89, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, born in Gotebo, Oklahoma, on July 27, 1936, entered into eternal rest on February 25, 2026.

Raised in Gotebo, Oklahoma, he attended school there until 1952, when his family moved to the "city" of Oklahoma City. He then graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1954, carrying with him the small-town values that would define his life: hard work, faith, and loyalty.

He later attended Southwestern College of Christian Ministries in Bethany, Oklahoma.

From an early age, horses were not just a hobby - they were his passion. He loved trail rides, breaking "green" horses, and the thrill of a rodeo. Year after year, he attended the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, never missing the excitement and tradition he cherished so deeply. When he wasn't there in person, he was watching rodeos, horse sales, and cattle auctions on television and reliving the cowboy way of life from his living room.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961. After his service, he built a successful career in dental supply sales before becoming a denturist. As the owner and operator of Moore Denture Service in Moore, Oklahoma, he served his community faithfully until his retirement in 2000.

He was a charter member of the U.S. Marshals Posse, a civic group, and a devoted member of Agnew Pentecostal Holiness Church - now known as New Life Church OKC - where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. His faith was a cornerstone of his life and he lived it boldly and sincerely.

He loved watching OU football, faithfully cheering on the Sooners. He never missed a good western, especially those starring John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, or Robert Duvall. Country music often filled the background of his days with favorites like George Jones and Merle Haggard - though his all-time favorite was The Geezinslaw Brothers.

He also loved fellowship and friendly competition playing church softball until the age of 40. He was an avid gun collector, a passionate storyteller, and a man who could hold a conversation with anyone. He often said, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet."

He was known for his generosity, his quick wit, and his unforgettable stories. He could make a room laugh with ease. And while he was warm and welcoming, those who knew him well also knew that if provoked, he could unleash a wrath of fury.

Above all, he loved deeply - his faith, his family, his friends, and the Western way of life. His boots may now be set aside, but the trail he blazed and the stories he told will live on in all who knew and loved him.

He was a cowboy at heart - the kind that didn't just wear boots and a hat but lived the life every single day.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Charlene (Means) Shepherd; children, Christi Garringer (Rick) of Valrico, Florida, Valeri McIver (Roger) of Oklahoma City, and Slade Shepherd of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Brittni Garringer, Brandee Criswell (Aaron), and Blake Garringer (Katrina); great-grandchildren, Adrian, Braxton, Oliver, Hayden, Carter, Colson, and Elena. He is preceded in death by parents John W. and Ruth (Moore) Shepherd, and brother, David L. Shepherd and wife Eunice Shepherd.