Laurel A. "Jack" Shepley n1920-1977

SHEPLEY, STEVENS

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 4/3/2007 at 11:09:44

Jack Shepley, 86, Mount Vernon
Ottumwa Courier
MOUNT VERNON — Laurel A. “Jack” Shepley, 86, formerly of OTTUMWA, died at 10:16 a.m. March 31, 2007 at the Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon.

He was born Nov. 29, 1920 in Baxter, IA to Arthur and Ruth Abli Shepley. He married Dorothy Stevens Feb. 10, 1943 at Camp Rucker in Enterprise, Alabama. He grew up in the Colfax, IA and Nevada, MO areas.

Jack joined the Army in June of 1942, serving in the United States and overseas in the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations, assigned to the 35th Station Hospital. Following military service, he worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works for 35 years, retiring in 1980.

Jack and Dorothy made Ottumwa their home for 62 years, moving to Mount Vernon in 2004. Jack was a member of O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Fraternal order of Eagles Aerie #114. Jack loved to fish, play pool, garden and dance.

Surviving is his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Rene (Rick) Shepley-Ragan of Moorestown, NJ; two sons, Alan (Barbara) Shepley of Mount Vernon and Rohn Shepley of Spirit Lake; daughter-in-law Linda (Kenny) Smith of Liberty, MO; 6 grandchildren, Jim and Mark Whigham, Scot, Eric and Ryan Shepley and Sara Shepley Baitinger; 5 great-grandchildren, Sarah Henry, Sion and Robin Shepley, Rylynn Shepley and Jack Baitinger; 4 brothers, Blaine, Dale, Neal and Delbert Shepley and 3 sisters, Iris Stier, Helen Smith and Delores Nichols.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gladys Shepley; a son, Jack Shepley and a great-grandson, James Baitinger.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Reece Funeral Home with his daughter, Rev. Rene Shepley-Ragan officiating.

Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery. Military services will be conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren.

Visitation will start after 10 a.m. Monday with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Memorials may be made to Welcome Home Soldier Fund in Albia. P.O. Box 638 Albia, Iowa 52531.