Earl Shephard Jr.

Earl Shephard, age 76 of Wayne, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Earl Warren Shephard Jr. was born January 8, 1943 in Clinton, OK, the oldest of 4 children born to Earl Warren Shephard and Alice Elaine (Cooke) Shephard. Earl began school in Butler, Ok. His family later moved to Rosedale where he attended elementary and he often recalled his time as a Rosedale Cardinal. He then graduated High School from Wayne with the Class of 1961. Earl first attended Cameron College in Lawton, later earning his Masters of Education at East Central University in Ada. On August 7, 1964, Earl married his best friend and life partner, Sandra Jean Moore, in Wayne. Earl first taught at Maysville, then Fox and spent a few years teaching and coaching in Moore. At this time, a job opened up and with some friendly persuasion from Sandra, they moved back home and settled near Wayne. It was here that they wanted to raise their family; daughters, Stephanie and Shari and son, Dan. For a little more than 3 decades, Earl worked for Wayne Public Schools, where he taught various subjects and coached multiple sports. He was an encourager and a great support to his students throughout his years there, and a great advocate for public education. He retired as Principal after more than 33 years of dedicated service. Earl also served as an umpire and a football official for many years, and never missed an opportunity to cast a rod when he wasn't working. He was a man of great faith and longtime member of the Wayne Church of Christ, where he served as both Deacon and Elder. He was a loving husband and father, the best "pa" and the absolute rock of his family. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: Great granddaughter, Adeline Bowen; His parents, Bill and Elaine Shephard; Brothers, Merle Shephard and Steve Shephard and Nephew, Steven Earl Shephard. Earl is survived by: His wife Sandra of the home; Daughters, Stephanie Bowen and husband Randy of Stewart, OK and Shari Sweetman and husband Darold of Wayne; Son, Dan Shephard and wife Misty of Wayne; Sister, Susie Fuller and husband Randy of Rosedale; 13 grandchildren, Ryan and wife Alyssa, Adam and wife Savannah, Zane and wife Marina, Sam, Gracie, Colton, Lane and wife Samantha, Payton and husband Dalton, Brysten, Hailey, Trestin, Kolton and Bella; 5 great grandchildren, Zayden, Grayor, Londyn, Barrett and Kenzleigh; Several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Earl Shephard Jr.

January 8, 1943 - August 21, 2019