Cecil Edward Shephard

Cecil Edward Shephard, 86, of Mt. Vernon (formerly of Freistatt) passed away Feb. 13, 2021 in Joplin. He was born in Chester, Okla. on Sept. 8, 1934; the son of the late P.B. and Laura (Ging) Shephard. He was united in marriage in Enid, Okla. on Oct. 13, 1955 to Jewell Murray; she preceded him in death on Sept. 25, 2018.
He was a retired railroad worker and a member of the Mt. Vernon Nazarene Church.
He is survived by daughters, Gayle (Larry) Lawrence of Mt. Vernon and Cherry Gatewood of Stotts City; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Guy Wilson and Billy Pitts; sisters, Pearl Shephard and Mary Lou Wilson; one granddaughter and son-in-law, Otis Gatewood.
Private family memorial services are being held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett.