Johnny "John" Keith Shepherd's Obituary
Johnny “John” Keith Shepherd, 79, of West Jordan, Utah, passed away on August 16, 2024. He had family around him during his last few days and passed away peacefully in the home he built.
Born on July 1, 1945, in Roosevelt, Utah to John “Jack” and Lottie Shepherd. Johnny graduated from Union High School and attended Dixie College before joining the Utah National Guard.
Johnny married Mary Louise Filion on April 8, 1966, and they raised 6 children together. He was a heavy equipment mechanic, welder, and metal lathe operator however he could do just about anything he put his mind to including carpentry, masonry, electrical, and cement work. He built home additions, laid cement, repaired automobiles, and helped everyone around him often for little or no compensation. Johnny was a mighty man, a provider and protector who worried endlessly about those in his care which was a heavy load to bear even for him. Johnny did not have an easy life and God must have given him that rock-hard outer shell to hold up everyone around him but, inside Johnny had a huge heart with a very special place for his grandchildren. He would even let you take his picture if he was holding one of the “littles”. His strong hands could gently remove a splinter from a child’s tiny hand, carve a delicate chain, or even move mountains to care for those he loved. His sister Kim describes him as hard-working, and exceptionally kind, with a great love for his family. Johnny was resourceful, witty, and wise. His hobbies were as endless as his imagination. He enjoyed any time visiting with family, fishing at Strawberry, hunting and camping in the Uinta mountains, tying flies, making arrows, carving wood, working leather, and building or fixing anything. He absolutely loved building anything with his hands and could even be seen “fixing” something while he slept.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Louise; children Susan Seow, Jill (Jon) Barney, Michael (Jennifer) Shepherd, Nancy (Brendon) Parker, Mary (Simon) Weir, Jane (Tim) Chan; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters, Kim White and Janet (Donald) Filion. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Lottie Shepherd and two sisters Carolyn Vincent and Noreta Stanezewski.
He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Roosevelt close to the mountains and outdoors that he loved. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at Roosevelt Memorial Park (400 West Highway 40, Roosevelt Ut.).
Celebration of Johnny’s life will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at LDS church house (8117 So. 3905 W. West Jordan)
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