Saturday, August 7, 2021 ~ 11:00 a.m.
Indian Hills Community Church ~ Lincoln, Nebraska
Interment with Military Honors at Sunrise Cemetery ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Indian Hills Church, Nebraska Coaches Hall of Fame, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Dr. Wesley T. Shepard, 94, joined his Savior in Heaven on July 31, 2021 while surrounded by his family at Journey House in Lincoln, NE. He and his twin brother, Les, were born on February 28, 1927, in Omaha, the sons of Rev. Theodore and Ethel (Fredrickson) Shepard.
Wes graduated from Morgan Park High School in Duluth, Class of 1944. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Navy as Quartermaster 1st Class on the USS Teton, being present for the signing of the Instrument of Unconditional Surrender in the Pacific and the occupation of Japan during World War II. He returned to the US, earning a Bachelors in Education from Midland College and his Masters and Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska.
Wes married Rose Meduna from Weston, NE, on July 11th, 1958. They had four children: Denise Liechty of St. Charles, IL, Greg Shepard of Cambridge, Mark Shepard of Fremont, Scott Shepard of Ashland, NE. Wes and Rose recently celebrated their 62nd Anniversary with their extended family.
“Doc” served as Superintendent of Schools at Weston, Norris, and Elmwood, NE and in Zion, IL. He coached basketball across the communities in which he served, having over 500 High School Wins and being inducted into both the Nebraska High School Sports and National High School Coaches Association Halls of Fame. He was asked to prepare the Chinese National Basketball Team as they re-entered the 1984 Olympics, traveling to Xian for three months. One of his greatest joys was running basketball camps to build skill, character, and have the opportunity to share Christ with the next generations.
Leaving a legacy of loving God and serving people, his four children followed in his footsteps as school administrators and six grandchildren as teachers and coaches. He impacted his community by serving as an American Legion Post Commander, leading the Christian Business Mens Association, facilitating FCA Groups, volunteering in his church, and authoring two books: Basketball, A Family Affair and Soar With The Titans: A Norris History.
In addition to his parents, Wes is preceded in death by his twin brother, Les, and great grand-daughter, Aya. Surviving in addition to his wife, Rose, are his four children and their spouses, sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren who call him “Grandpa Doc.”
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to Rose, Denise, Greg, Mark, Scott and their families. We are proud of his accomplishments both off and on the basketball court, and especially of his unwavering faith. God Bless, and may you rest in peace, Uncle Wes.
As many, “Doc” was a great influencer on my career in education and coaching. Our sincere condolences to Rose and the family. Note: If Wes doesn’t give me that 6 a.m. job interview I never meet Deanna, have my family and begin my teaching/coaching career.
What great man💙
Evonne and I were honored to take Dr. Shepard on the April 23rd, 2008 Honor Flight to D.C. for WWII veterans.
A fine man and a patriot. We are sorry for your loss.
We appreciate the legacy left by Wes Shepard, & his investment in the lives of many students at Lincoln Christian School. We sympathize ~ & rejoice ~ with the family! How wonderful for him to be in the Presence of Jesus !
I met Wes and Rose at Panera when I was a night nurse at St.E’s I would stop there for coffee in the morning . He was such a warm, kind man. I only knew him briefly but I will always remember his kindness.