Robert (Bob) Francis Shepard 81 of Keene died on July 29, 2010 in Keene after a long period of declining health.
He was born the son of Irene (MacLean) and George Shepard on Nov. 30, 1928 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1946. After High school Robert continued with his education and graduated from Bentley School of Accounting and Finance with a degree in accounting.
Mr. Shepard is one of the greatest generation serving his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was trained as a Radar Mechanic repairing various types of communications equipment. He was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Sargeant on May 9, 1949 after serving 3 years on active duty.
On October 10, 1952 he took his vows to then Miss. Greta S. Cross at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene. They were married for 58 loving years.
Bob was a life long member of St. James Episcopal Church in Keene. He served on various Boards. He also served as a Sunday School teacher as well as serving on the vestry.
Bob has lived most of his life in Keene, He also had a home and lived in Ocala, Florida for 20 years.
After his time in the military he came home and was gainfully employed by the M.P.B. Company in Keene. He was the Manager of Data Processing and retired after 30 years of loyal service in 1984.
Mr. Shepard was a man of many hats. A man of inspiration and ability. He programmed and designed the first computerized census program for the City of Keene. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. In 1970 He was one of the co-founders of the local Junior Achievement of Keene. Bob worked with youth hockey and pursued a life long desire to become a private pilot. He also like the outdoors, hiking and biking and taking pictures. He loved being a grandfather and doing things with the kids. He enjoyed the Florida life style once retired. This gave him even more time to pursue his outdoor activities. Later in years he would climb Mt. Caesar with a pair of binoculars and his dog Fred. Mostly, he will be remembered for being a loving, fair father and husband. He was a kind hearted soul with a quiet demeanor.
Mr. Shepard is survived by his wife, Greta S. (Cross) Shepard of Keene. His two children: Deborah Barrett and her husband William of Keene, Timothy Shepard and his wife Jean of Vermont. Grandpa will be missed by his four grandchildren: Hannah Barrett, Ethan Barrett, Jordan Shepard and Paige Shepard. His siblings Polly Sibley of Keene and Patricia Hill of Keene. He will be re-united in death with a brother George Shepard and grandson Elijah Barrett. His presence will be missed by many nieces, nephews extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 28, 2010 at 3p.m. in the St. James Episcopal Church, 44 West St. Keene. At the request of the family donations should be made to the Elijah Barrett Scholarship Fund, 11 Village Rd. Rt 12. Surry, NH. 03431 or to Home Health care an Community Services, 312 Marlborough St. Keene, NH. 03431.
