Steven J. Shepard

Steven J. Shepard, 85, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital of natural causes on July 5, 2022.

Steve was born January 13, 1937 in Delton, Michigan the son of Gerald and Helen (Brown) Shepard. He grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping on a small farm in Delton. He was a 1954 graduate of Delton-Kellogg High School. Steve was stationed in Cuba and Texas while honorably serving in the US. Navy from 1957 to 1961; and then in the Reserves from 1961 to 1963. Steve was employed as a Millwright and Electrician at the Kellogg Company for over 39 years, retiring in 1994.

Steve was formerly married to Gwen (Everitt) Shepard.

Steven J. Shepard was united in marriage to the former Dolores Faye Stout on September 24, 1994 at Chapel Hill Church in Battle Creek, MI. Surviving are his wife, Dolores; children, Steve Shepard Jr. of Shelbyville, Julie (John) Wilber of Plainwell, Jodi Shepard of Delton, Alesha Stout of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Emily Wilber, Dean, Andrea, and Jacob Harris, Hannah and Reed Stout, and Austin and Alexandria Young; great-grandchildren Mason and Peyton Hamlin, Brooklyn Whitaker, and Elliot Harris; a sister, Linda (Hal) McIlory of Cave Creek, AZ and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Steven was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, David Reed Stout and grandson, Brandon Tyler Harris.

Steve was a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club, and served on the Board of Directors for Kellogg Credit Union for 42 years. He was a member of the Bedford Chapter 188 Royal Arch Masons and the American Legion Post 298. He crewed for Balloonist, Pat Rolfe, who flew the Fire Walker balloon and the Cindy Seal Balloon. Steve enjoyed going to his cabin in East Jordan, where he and friends hunted Turkey and Deer; and enjoyed the nature of the Jordan River Valley. In East Jordan, he was known as "The Mayor of Chestonia". He also enjoyed snowmobiling in the U.P. with his friends in Grand Marias for many years. His main passion, however, was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; especially sharing stories and breakfast with his right hand man, Mason. Steve never met a stranger. He was quick to make friends and share experiences with anyone who had the time. He was easy to talk to and made those he met feel welcome around him. Steve will be remembered for his warm personality, selflessness, and patience. All those who knew him loved him.

Friends are invited to join Steve's family to celebrate his life Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Vale Street Venue, 1745 E. Columbia Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014. A remembrance service will begin at 4:00 p.m. Military honors will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 14th, 2022 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.