Robert Shepard

Robert U. Shepard, age 91 of Cherryvale, Kansas died Sunday, January 23, 2011 at the Cherryvale Nursing Center in Cherryvale, Kansas. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale, Kansas with Father Jerry Adinolfi officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Ft. Riley honor guard. Visatation hours will be held Friday, January 28, 2011 at Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas with the family receiving friends from 68 P.M. The family has suggested memorials, in lieu of flowers, to the American Heart Association or Harry Hynes Hospice and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas. Robert U. Shepard was born March 6, 1919 in Bentonville, Arkansas to Newton and Emma Adams Shepard. Robert graduated from Morehead High School in Morehead, Kansas in 1937. Shortly after high school, Robert joined the United States Army on February 15, 1942. During his enlistment, Robert served overseas in New Guinea, the Southern Phillipines and Papua New Guinea. He was honorably discharged on October 29, 1945 after receiving the Asiatic Pacific Service medal, Phillipine Liberation Ribbon and one Bronze Star. He was a life member of V.F.W. Post 1186 and AARP. After proudly serving his nation and returning home after World War II, Robert married Virginia Wilson on April 8, 1949 in Bentonville, Arkansas and the couple made their home in Cherryvale, Kansas for their entire married life. Robert worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation as a highway maintenance engineer for 17 years. Survivors include his wife Virginia of the home, one daughter Joyce Akins of El Dorado, Kansas and one son Robert L. Shepard and his wife Babs of Coffeyville, Kansas. two brothers Arch Shepard of Dennis, Kansas and Joe Shepard of Cherryvale, Kansas. Also survived by four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Robert was preceeded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers.