Paul Maxwell Shepard

Paul Maxwell Shepard (aka “Squirrel”), 95, of Upper Arlington passed away November 8, 2025. He was born in Columbus, OH on April 4, 1930 to Paul M. Shepard, Sr. and Regina “Jean” Gilchrist Shepard. After graduating from Upper Arlington High School in 1948, Paul attended Ohio Wesleyan University to study architecture before transferring to The Ohio State University’s engineering program where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1954 and his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering in 1964. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and ROTC. He married Lois Ledman and joined the U.S. Army after graduation and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. He was stationed in Point Barrow, Alaska when his first son, Scott, was born. He returned to Columbus and joined Burgess & Niple Ltd where he enjoyed a successful, 38-year career in Civil Engineering.

Paul was a long-time, active member of Rotary with a perfect attendance record for more than 30 years. He was a Past Master of the David N Kinsman Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a long- time member, Deacon and Elder of Boulevard Presbyterian Church before joining and becoming active in the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. He was a Life Member of the OSU Alumni Club and the Engineers Club of Columbus and a former member of The OSU President’s Club. He was also a member of the OSU Faculty Club, the Capital Club, Probus, and Symposiarchs (past President), Conestoga, and the Ohio Historical Society.

He is predeceased in death by his first wife, Lois Shepard (2005), his second wife, Jean Stough (2023). He leaves behind a legacy of love for Doris Lee Aldag, his sons, Scott Shepard (Sara), Steve Shepard (Jane), twin grandsons Matt Shepard and Andy Shepard, nieces Tracy Ledman Peterson (Kyle), Ann Ledman Coon (Geoff), Debi Collier McCaslin (Jake); nephews Doug Collier, Charles “Chip” Collier (Donna), and Tim Ledman (BarbaraJo); Jean’s children: John Stough (Betsy), and Susan Jones (Scott); and Doris Lee’s children: Jim Aldag (Sydney), Phil Aldag (Katrin) and Charlie Aldag (Laura).

He had a life-long love of the game of golf. He was a very active member of Oakhurst Country Club, Hickory Hills Golf Club, Oyster Reef Golf Club at Hilton Head and then The Ohio State University Golf Club, where he frequently scored lower than his age, and played more than 100 rounds in 2024 and 67 rounds this year. He enjoyed spending time with family, and visiting “his happy place”, Hilton Head, South Carolina.

He had a high degree of energy and full life for all his endeavors, with too many to list. He was planning activities for when he would turn 100. He enjoyed engineering conversations and was proud that his twin grandsons, also civil engineers, are following in his footsteps. He regularly enjoyed local restaurants as well as restaurants in Hilton Head. He will be deeply missed by all.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service at 2pm on Monday, December 15 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Mill Run Campus, Mill Run Dr., Hilliard, OH 43026. A reception will follow at the church from 3-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make contributions to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church.