Matthew Ira Shepard

Matthew Ira Shepard passed from this life on Thursday January 18, 2024. Matthew was born on May 1, 1958 to the late Archie Leon and Jean Shepard in Independence, KS. Loving Husband of Deanna Shepard for 41 years. Father of Dr. Lauren Shepard and Katherine Moody. Grandfather to Theodore Carter, Avalynn Moody, Brynleigh Moody and June Carter. Brother to Archie"Michael", Mark, Walter, David and Mary Shepard, Betty Spear, Donna Frazier and the late Timothy Shepard. Father in Law to Judge Eric William Carter and Bradley Moody.

Matthew received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburgh, KS. Matthew was the retired Executive Vice President of SCA Structural Engineers, President of MUD 134 -B. Matthew's love of community and family drove a lot of his interests. Never really leaving his passion for the farm and gardening, he would spend hours outside planting a seasonal garden and growing beautiful flowers. He always had an eye for landscaping and a sense of how to build a community within people. In his last years he devoted a lot of time to serving others on the MUD Board in nAliana. As MUD President he led the planting of more then 700 trees in the community and 2 playgrounds to be constructed this year. His grandchildren were the inspiration for these playgrounds.

Matthew's love of nature also made him buy an Airstream travel trailer years ago with his wife Deanna. This was their happy place together. They would travel to different parks around Texas and explore local areas . However, he was probably happiest when he was watching a gentle campfire with her in the evening while eating a home cooked dinner and possibly catching a football game over the antenna.

He was also growing himself by meeting his daughters weekly on Wednesday nights for the book club. They read mostly about history and the classics, but he credited them for stretching his genre tastes and knowledge on topics he normally would not pick.

He also loved BBQ pork butts, brisket, and steak with his son-in- law Brad and campaign for his other son-in-law Eric.Matthew was a man devoted deeply to his family and the betterment of his community and others. He did everything to help support them both.

Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday January 24, 2024 At The Settegast - Kopf Co. At Sugar Creek in The Morrow Chapel at 4:00 P.M. followed by a reception following services.

In lieu of flowers Matthew Loved nature and gardening . please invest in a tree of your choice that makes you happy and go plant it. This is what he did all the time.