Mark Kevin Shepherd

Mark Kevin Shepherd (71, of Macomb, MI) departed this world on March 15, 2025 in the comfort of his home, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Mark's gentle heart and quiet strength wrapped his family and friends in a lifetime of love. Mark was always welcoming to any who found themselves in the good graces of his presence, whether he knew you or not. He lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and patience that touched all who knew him, and made every moment with him feel like home.
Mark leaves behind his soulmate and devoted partner in life & beyond, Patrice Michelle (Rexin) Shepherd, with whom he built a life overflowing with shared dreams and warm memories. His three children-Matthew Mark, Kevin Patrick, and Meagan Michelle-were his pride and joy, each a reflection of his patient guidance and boundless affection. In his later years, he took immense pride in his grandson, Jordan Paolo, who was a special source of happiness and brought him endless joy.
His memory is cherished in by his brothers Larry (wife Carol), Claude (wife Sue), and Douglas (wife Brenda), who will forever hold dear the brotherly bond they shared through a lifetime of laughter and adventures. A close- knit family, endless memories were made with his many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Morris Shepherd and Anna (Randazzo) Shepherd. When not at home or work, it was common to find Mark visiting his loving parents, helping them with their computer, various house projects and wandering conversations over more than a few cups of coffee.
His early years where highlighted by a how-to spirit among playfully & mischievous moments shared with his brothers, cousins and friends - from exploring the growing lands of Macomb County on their bikes to accidentally setting a fire inside the family home as a 3 year old child. His thirst for learning led him to hatching chicken eggs in his homemade incubator, resulting in actual chick pets; and then there's the infamous, yet humorous Devil's Nights incident.
Those adventurous tendencies flourished in his adolescence and teenage years - marked by now roaming long-distance bicycle rides, including one with his brother Doug making it to "almost" Mackinaw; road-tripping out west with brother Claude, visiting many sites along the way... including a stop in "some hick town" in Texas as communicated on a check-in telephone call to their dad; not to mention a few tickets for drag racing in his Dodge Charger, when it was not being shown off up and down Woodward Ave & Gratiot Ave!
Mark graduated from Warren Mott High School (1972), and received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Oakland University (1976).
His career was a testament to his steady, helpful nature. From 1976 to 1981, he served as a corrections officer at the Macomb County Sheriff's Department, bringing humanity and compassion to an occupation full of tough moments. Later, from 1981 until his retirement in 2014, he poured meticulous care into his role as a technical publication editor at US ARMY (DoD), TACOM. There, his calm guidance and quiet excellence warmed the hearts of those he worked alongside, assistive leadership to the many other public servants; many of whom expressing how his knowledge, patience and care informed and inspired their own career journeys.
Beyond his career, Mark's true passions shone bright like a North Star to a full life. An avid photographer, he captured through the lens the beauty of the people & world around him - often on his many hikes, camping trips, exploring the jewels of Detroit and so many other adventures around the country for his work and with family. His love for gardening brought life to his surroundings, and his enthusiasm for bowling fostered knowledge & adventure in the pages of books; this joy manifest in winding conversations with family, about anything from the distant fiction of Middle-Earth to the lessons and mysteries buried in history to useful hacks of modern practicality.
But above all, he cherished the time spent with his family. Nothing compared to the hours spent with them-telling stories about Luke the Spook, Bigfoot and various family events of days long since passed; savoring those times as much as the food during family meals ordering-in Mexican Village, among the Chianti bottled walls of Loui's Pizza and the many home cooked meals he enjoyed preparing. Ultimately he found joy in the lively chaos of family gatherings, his calm patience a soothing balance that kept everyone at ease.
To know Mark was to feel seen, accepted and loved. His kindness was a warm soft glow, his patience a steady hand, his gentle nature a gift that made the world a little softer, a little brighter, a little safer. His spirit lives on in his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him - and, not least of all, in the care and good he inspires them to share with the world. As we mourn his passing and celebrate his, we hold tight to the warmth he left behind-a legacy of kindness & love that will bloom in our hearts forever.
To paraphrase an old coworker and friend:...everyone needs a Mark Shepherd in their life.
Thanks For Everything!
In accordance with his wishes - Mark will be cremated, leaving behind lasting memories in the hearts of those who knew him.
Services to be held at: Lee Ellena Funeral Home
46530 Romeo Plank Rd
Macomb, MI 48044
Romeo Plank, just south of 21 Mile Rd
A public visitation will take place Friday April 4, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a private family viewing prior at 1:00 pm
Celebration of Life memorial service is set for Saturday April 5, 2025, at 11:00 am. Preceded by public visitation at 10:00 am.
Remembrance luncheon to follow
Floral arrangements have been coordinated with Viviano Flower Shop, Chesterfield/New Baltimore (or florist of your preference)
For those that prefer a longer-lasting alternative to honor Mark's legacy, donations can be made to ALS of Michigan in Mark's memory. ALS of Michigan has been an invaluable resource to our family and continues to do so for the local ALS community.
On behalf of the family, thank you for all the check-in calls/messages/visits, food, thoughts & prayers, and support during this time.
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