Wayne "Shep" Shepard

Wayne “Shep” Shepard passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 78. He was born on December 24, 1938 on the family farm near Edmond, Kansas in Norton County, to the late Jack and Alice (Schmidt) Shepard. One of five siblings, three boys and two girls, their mother passed away when Shep was only seven, and the family then moved to several locations. He graduated from Sheridan Community High School with the Class of 1958, and after graduation enlisted in the United States Army. Upon discharge, he returned home, married and had four children. In high school, Shep was an excellent wrestler, winning three regional and state championships. During high school, Shep worked and lived with the Sealocks. He became like another son. In fact, Shep called Florence “Mom Sealock”. Throughout the rest of his life the Sealocks remained as family. Shep never lacked for work and was not afraid to try anything new. He was a meat cutter for Getz IGA, worked for Coop, Hoxie Implement, Woofter Pump and Well, and owned and operated S&M Feeds. He was an avid fisherman, built his own jigs throughout the winter, rode horses, and grew a garden large enough to share with family and friends. His most important role was as father and grandpa. He loved to keep them entertained, teasing them endlessly and loving them unconditionally. Shep is survived by his longtime companion Carolyn Fuchs of the home in Hoxie; sons Lance Shepard and wife Coleen of Hoxie, Russ Shepard of Hoxie, and Steve Shepard and wife Lisa of Leavenworth; daughter Koren Johnson and husband Joe of Colleyville, TX; sister Luella Arend of Yakima, WA; special sisters Donna Mowry and husband Richard of Morland, Jan Pyle and husband Jon of Lawrence, and Shirley Farber of Norton; special sister-in-law Wanda Sealock of Hoxie; grandchildren Morgan Shepard, Bailey Golden, Alayna Shepard, Wayne Shepard, Makenzie Shepard, Cole Shepard, Blake Johnson, and Travis Johnson; nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Alice Shepard, special parents Vern and Florence Sealock, brothers Bob and Raymond Shepard, sister Peggy Durham, and special brother Phillip Sealock. A visitation will be held from 1:00-7:00pm on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Mickey-Leopold funeral Home in Hoxie with family receiving friends from 5:30-7:00pm. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Hoxie High School Wrestling Team or the Sheridan County Benefit Walk and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickey-leopoldfuneral.com Shep was a man who was humble in confidence and courageous in heart. He touched our lives with a love that will carry on for generations to come. Life was never about him. It was always about those around him. He will forever be his family’s hero, and never be forgotten by those whose hearts he touched.