SHELBURN - It's been said that if God made the Earth 71% water, then we should fish 71% of the time. If ever a man tried, it was John Edward Shepherd, who left his mortal body to be with his Heavenly Father on April 4, 2024. He passed unexpectedly at his winter Texas home immediately before a planned fishing trip with his daughter and many friends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where a haul of tuna and marlin was hoped for. He was already packed for the trip.

While this fishing trip will be missed, John didn't miss much in a full life marked by his faith, family, friends, farming (and later in life, an especially impressive garden!), and love of freedom and the flag. His gentle nature, his easy smile and laugh, and his never-ending work ethic were models to everyone. He cared for the earth as a steward of the land and earned accolades for his work on the watershed and forest management of the longtime Shepherd home place.

John was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County, Indiana, after college and a stint reporting for the U.S. Farm Journal. He was a graduate of Hymera High School and Purdue University with honors, and a member of Farmhouse Fraternity.

Across the years, he contributed to the communities he cared deeply about. A 4-H leader and mentor to youth and young adults for decades, a member of the Shiloh Assembly of God Church of Hymera, and a longtime and oft-requested of the team at Neptune Foods providing fish fries around the region, were all highlights. He also hosted the weekday television farm show for many years on the local NBC affiliate, WTWO, earning a moment regularly on national "bloopers" shows. Living life to its fullest, it was hard to get on his calendar, especially when you factored in his annual Canadian fishing trips and visits to family and friends across the country.

John is survived by his children, Shawn Ann Shepherd of Boise, ID, and "Steve" Stephen Wayne Shepherd of Rochester, MI, and their spouses, Thomas Jefferson Davis II and Charlotte (Anderskow) Shepherd. His survivors include his grandson Anthony Wayne Shepherd, and his wife Chloe (Short) Shepherd; and three great-grandchildren, Ethan John, Ava Jade, and Mason Anthony, all of Midland, MI. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Shepherd of Kalispell, MT, and his family. John was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne Shepherd and Goldia (Sluder) Shepherd; and his wife of 28 years and father of his children, Gladys Ann (Howard) Shepherd.

The family is deeply grateful for the friends in Texas who made his last three decades wintering in the Lone Star State memorable and full of laughter and fishing. But most importantly, we thank Troy Hayworth and Teresa Tidd who made it possible for him to thrive in this last winter south; your friendship and your support made all the difference.

The Memorial Service for John Shepherd will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Shiloh Assembly of God Church in Hymera, Indiana. Immediately following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life Dinner and Fish Fry hosted by John's dear friends at the Shiloh Church and at Neptune Foods/Jonah Fish Fry. That is exactly how he'd want to be remembered - dear friends and family enjoying an incredible meal. This event will be held at the Ruritan Club in Hymera, Indiana. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, pay it forward with kindness to others and laughter on a daily basis, as John did throughout his life.

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