Ralph Clark Shepherd

Ralph Clark Shepherd was born June 5, 1935, on the family farm in Pomona, Kansas. He was the son of Len J. and Dorothy M. (Powers) Shepherd. A lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, he made his home in Pomona, until his death Saturday, February 8, 2003, at the age of sixty-seven years. Ralph graduated from South Illinois Rural Grade School, rural Pomona, and later graduated from Williamsburg High School with the class of 1954. From August of 1956 to December of 1965, Ralph was a bulldozer operator for Franklin County Public Works. From 1966 to 1969, he was a production worker at Hercules Powder Plant, DeSoto, Kansas. From 1970 to 1981, he worked with his brother, Cloise, as a mechanic at Shepherd's Garage in Pomona. For two years, 1977 to 1979, he drove a Special Education and Sports Activity Bus for West Franklin School District #287. In 1981, he returned to Franklin County Public Works as a Blade Operator, until his retirement in December of 2002. From 1954 to 1956, Ralph was a Private First Class in the United States Army, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of Greenwood Baptist Church, Franklin County, Kansas. Ralph greatly loved his family. All their family gatherings were special to him. He enjoyed the outdoors, working on the farm and caring for the cattle. In 1987, he and Opal started a small cow herd with some calves given to them by Ralph's dad. They also began baling hay on shares with help from his brothers and her brother, James. In 1957, Ralph was united in marriage with Myrna Abel. They later divorced. On January 7, 1981, Ralph was united in marriage with Opal Foster at Lawrence, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his daughter, Karen, and her husband, Kevin McDowell, of Osawatomie; two brothers, Cloice Shepherd and his wife, Roberta, of Pomona, Gerald Shepherd, of Pomona; and, several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Len John Shepherd. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 11, 2003. A private family interment will be held Wednesday morning at Central Cemetery. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Jim Cain IN STATE: Mr. Shepherd will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 PM Sunday to the service hour. CEMETERY: Central Cemetery, south of Pomona, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Midland Hospice or Pomona Elementary/Middle School Library, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.