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Joseph Shepard Obituary
May 21, 1923 - September 27, 2017
Keizer - Joe was born NW of Salem on the family farm, in the Spring Valley area, to Ralph C. Shepard and Lela E. (Woods) Shepard. The depression formed a pattern of hard work and he farmed his whole working life, clearing the land for his crops. He retired to Keizer when he was 82.
There were 3 children from his first marriage: Darla, Del (Carolann), and Marita (Dave) Marinez. He married again to Joyce Friesen and two grown children were added to his family: Mark (Judy) and April Friesen and his family expanded.
Joe was proud to be a Christian for over 60 years. He loved to memorize whole chapters of the bible (also poetry) while riding his tractor. He also enjoyed many different leisure activities, but most of all was his little stunt plane, which he flew daily, weather permitting.
Joe was preceded in death by 8 of his 9 siblings and his daughter Darla.
Surviving are his wife Joyce, his sister Arden (Cal) Welch, his four children, along with 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Heartfelt thanks to Harmony House where he spent his last 2 years. Their loving care is greatly appreciated. He was under Serenity Hospice care for one day before passing.
There will be a memorial service, 2pm Saturday, Oct. 28th at the Free Methodist Church, 4455 Silverton Rd. Arrangements were made with Unger Funeral Chapel of Silverton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Shepard
Sponsored by Unger Funeral Chapel, Silverton Silverton.
4 Entries
Vance Fowler
July 7, 2018
Wow, Joe, this is your old co-pilot, Vance. Didn't we have fun flying around our farms back in the day? Landing my little Ercoupe on your grass strip was a highlight for me. You were a great friend and neighbor. Didn't know you moved on to that Great Airstrip in the Sky but woke up thinking about you this morning and found your obituary. It doesn't say a hundredth part of it, does it? When I bought Paul's farm on the land your dad once owned I had no idea I'd be buying into a great Christian friendship as well. You beat me to Zena Church after all. I'll be along shortly just a few yards from you. My entire family will always remember you and Joyce.
Joyce, if you ever read this please know of our love. Camille and I have missed you ever since we moved to Utah after more than two decades being your neighbor by Paul's pond in the old cherry orchard. God bless you and know ALL our memories are fond ones and we wish you well and pray for your health and prosperity.
God bless you.
Christina Marie
October 17, 2017
We love you joe definitely one of my favorite residents ❤ You will be missed by us all
October 13, 2017
My heartfelt condolences for your great loss. The good memories now are treasures, may our loving God sustain the family and give you hope and strength at your difficult time.
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