John David Shepherd
Virginia Beach – John David Shepherd passed away Thursday, October 30, 2008. Born in Georgia, his family moved to Largo, FL in the early 40’s where he remained until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1957.
Throughout his military career, John was station in many areas including Amarillo, Tailand, Korea, Sacramento, Omaha, Wichita, and twice in Germany. It was in Germany where he met and married his wife of 50 years and their daughter was born. His last duty station was Andrews Air Force Base where he retired in 1983 as a Chief Master Sergeant after 26 years of honorable service with a distinguished service record.
John leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, daughter and son-in-law, mother, sister, brother, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was the kind of man who needed to stay busy all the time and worked hard all of his life. He loved sports, camping, and especially his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2008, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1801 Baltic Ave in Virginia Beach with Rev. Ernest L. Trueblood officiating. The family will remain after the service to visit with family and friends. A Graveside Service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2009, in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors being accorded. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and / or the Disable American Veterans. Condolences may be offered to the family at altmeyer.com.
Chief, Shep as you were know to all your friends and family – you have left a legacy for us all to aspire to, I will take care of Lilo and Chris in your honor
Chris, Michelle, and Robert.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and Opa. I know it must be difficult and I pray God gives you the strength to endure the difficulties of losing such an important part of your lives. God bless your entire family.
In our hearts and prayers
Lelo and Family: Not only will John be missed by just his family Erma and myself will miss him also. John was a great friend and Buddie and a great neighbor to us. I worked with him at Dam Neck and any time I asked him for a favor I was never denied it.I guess we both learned in the Air Force , having friends was very important in life. If you were John’s friend he would go out of his way to help you.Lelo you snaged a good man when you married John. Erma and myself wish you the best in the days ahead.
Herbert and Erma Green
My heartfelt condolences to the Shepard family. John D. SMSgt was a friend and mentor when we were stationed together at Hahn AB in 1980/81. One of my memories is that he shipped a fair share on Auslese home to have on special occasions. As our families have stayed connected through Chris and Dennis my prayers are that he stays present through our good memories.
Rick
Our deepest sympathies in your time of loss. Your family and friends will be in our prayers.
Very sorry to hear of Johns passing our condolence to Lilo and to his family