Louis Akin Shepard

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Louis Akin Shepard. Lou was Born in Iowa in 1922 and moved to Erie, Kansas at a young age with his parents Lester and Elva Shepard and his sister Helen. Lou’s younger brother Wendall was born soon after their arrival in Kansas where he maintained the family home until his passing in 2011. Lou was an active young man who enjoyed playing basketball for Erie High School. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor Lou enlisted in the Navy as an aviator, he was 20 years old. Lieutenant Shepard served with honor and distinction in the Asian theatre having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, multiple Air Medals, and the Purple Heart.

Upon his return home, Lou resumed his education and attended the University of Kansas where he went on to receive his degree in Architecture. Lou was an entrepreneur at heart and spent most of his career designing and building custom homes in Kansas City area.

Lou had many and varied interests. He had a passion for sailing and sail boats, he was a car guy who loved to trade vehicles and surprise the family with his new ride, he was an avid golfer and shot his age at 79. He loved his music, a brightly burning fireplace, and his dog laying at his side.

Lou’s greatest passion in life was his family. Lou was married to his wife Phoebe for 42 years until her passing in 2007. They had two daughters Mindy Shepard Wamsher & Allison Shepard Butts. Lou also has a son John Shepard from a previous marriage and two step children, Johnny and Michele Hudson. Lou was a man of profound character who led his family by example. He was warm, cheerful, loving and quick witted.

During Lou’s finally years he confronted Alzheimer with the same grace and courage he demonstrated throughout his life. The character of the man shown through to the very end. Lou passed on February 21, 2018 with his children at his side. Lou has been and always will be a blessing to his family. His legacy lives on in his 7 grand children and 1 great grandson. We love and miss you Dad but know you are always with us.