Obituary for Eugene Harold 'Gene' Shepard
Eugene (Gene) Shepard died peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by family November 6, 2019. A third cancer finally wore Gene out. Gene was born October 24, 1944, the second child of Ella Mae Shatto and Harold Shepard. Gene’s early years were lived in Bridger, MT, moving to Big Timber, MT in September of 1962, where he graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1963.
In February 1964 Gene enlisted in the Air Force, serving 4 years before being discharged. March of 1966-1967 Gene was stationed in Vietnam, a time of the use of Agent Orange. After being discharged Gene returned to Big Timber, MT where he met and married Darla Barber on April 11, 1970.
Gene retired from Triangle Telephone Oct 2006. He and Darla enjoyed traveling including going to areas of AZ and NV in their trailer. Motorcycle trips, camping, and spending time with family were also favorite past times. Once 3 grandsons blessed their lives, going to their activities helped keep them on the go.
One of Gene’s biggest challenges was teaching his 3 grandsons the “Snake Bite Shuffle”.
One of their greatest adventures was when after a winter break in Mesquite, NV with Gene’s sister and husband, Deb and Jack Amos they took a detour to Los Angeles, CA so Gene could buy a 1969 GTO Judge that he and Jack drove home with Darla n Deb driving a support vehicle. Luckily the NAPA route (store not wine country) enabled them to fix problems on the way.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and several in-laws. He is survived by Darla, daughter Brenda Shepard and grandson Cameron Bickel of Wenatchee, WA, son Travis (Lynette) grandsons Sam and Seth Shepard of Big Timber, MT, sisters Carole Kukes of Red Wing, MN, Deb (Jack) Amos of Whitehall, MT, brother Don (Dawna) Shepard of Post Falls, ID, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A private gathering will be held later as Gene’s wishes were no funeral, flowers, or memorials.
In February 1964 Gene enlisted in the Air Force, serving 4 years before being discharged. March of 1966-1967 Gene was stationed in Vietnam, a time of the use of Agent Orange. After being discharged Gene returned to Big Timber, MT where he met and married Darla Barber on April 11, 1970.
Gene retired from Triangle Telephone Oct 2006. He and Darla enjoyed traveling including going to areas of AZ and NV in their trailer. Motorcycle trips, camping, and spending time with family were also favorite past times. Once 3 grandsons blessed their lives, going to their activities helped keep them on the go.
One of Gene’s biggest challenges was teaching his 3 grandsons the “Snake Bite Shuffle”.
One of their greatest adventures was when after a winter break in Mesquite, NV with Gene’s sister and husband, Deb and Jack Amos they took a detour to Los Angeles, CA so Gene could buy a 1969 GTO Judge that he and Jack drove home with Darla n Deb driving a support vehicle. Luckily the NAPA route (store not wine country) enabled them to fix problems on the way.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and several in-laws. He is survived by Darla, daughter Brenda Shepard and grandson Cameron Bickel of Wenatchee, WA, son Travis (Lynette) grandsons Sam and Seth Shepard of Big Timber, MT, sisters Carole Kukes of Red Wing, MN, Deb (Jack) Amos of Whitehall, MT, brother Don (Dawna) Shepard of Post Falls, ID, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A private gathering will be held later as Gene’s wishes were no funeral, flowers, or memorials.
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