Harold A. Shepherd's Obituary
Harold Alvin Shepherd was born March 31, 1929, in Halls Summit, Coffey County, KS, to Henry Myrl Shepherd and Florence (Huddleston) Shepherd (later Spearman). He was an only child who learned early about hard work. He graduated from Lamont HS, Lamont, KS, and went to the College of Emporia, Emporia, KS, but eventually joined the Army on March 8, 1948, where he served with dignity and honor, earning many commendations, until his medical retirement after 29 years and 23 days, retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. While in the army he served a tour in Pleiku, Vietnam, with the 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division, and later served a tour at Camp Humphries, Korea, with USAPPAC. He loved his country and was so proud to serve it. He always felt that our freedoms and blessings come with an obligation of good citizenship. He met the love of his life, Katherine Käthe Scherer, while serving in an MP unit in Marburg/Lahn, Germany. They were married October 9, 1954 in Trieste, Italy. She was his heart and gave joy to his life.After his retirement he went to work for the Disabled Veterans Program for Washington State Employment Security, where, again, he earned great respect and commendations. He was so pleased to have been able to help and work with other veterans. He retired March, 1996, and he and Katherine finally got to do some traveling in their RV before health problems and a long, heartrending struggle with dementia halted their adventures. One of his proudest achievements in his retirement was researching, organizing, and printing his family history. It was a real labor of love and a wonderful gift to his children and grandchildren.He is survived by his wife, Katherine, and two daughters, Sharon (Roger) Bagg of Shedd, OR, and Patricia (Butch) Barto of Chehalis, WA. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Marika C. Barto, of New Orleans, LA, and Tamara (Robert) Strauss of Shedd, OR. Harold was preceded in death by son Charles M. Shepherd, and a grandson, David H. Barto.Harold Shepherd lived his life as decently and ethically as he could; he never spoke harshly of another human being. He always believed in doing his best and honoring his promises. He was a good man, with failings, who always strived to live his life with honor and truth. His presence will be deeply missed by family, but his heart and soul will be with us always.Viewing will be from 12:00 to 9:00 PM, Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at Mountain View Funeral Home, followed by services at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, August 31, 2005, at Tahoma National Cemetery.
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