Marvin Williams Shepherd, was born on August 26,1941 in Unionville, Mo., to Cecil L. Shepherd and Norma Williams-Shepherd. Marvin died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, April 19, 2018 on his thirty-third wedding anniversary to his bride Jeanne Rogers-Shepherd.
Marvin was an adventurer in the truest sense of the word. Marvin lived out a dream of moving away from the poverty of post war farming to his own entrepreneurial ventures. He ventured away from Putnam County, Mo., to find meaningful work in Kansas City, Mo. He worked at Consolidated Freightways for many years and he found his true calling when he purchased Atkins Implement in 1976 in Lawson, Mo. The name soon changed to Shepherd Implement and other expanded ventures began to develop. Marvin, a true entrepreneur at heart, continued to build and develop businesses in the Clay-Ray County, Missouri area.
Those who were around Marvin were touched by the faith he had in Jesus Christ, his values, beliefs and inspiring stories that have helped to shape who they are today. Marvin left his family with a good heritage that empowers his children and grandchildren to make the world a better place to live. Mediocrity or complacency were not in his vocabulary. He modeled what it was to rise above poverty and difficulty through hard work, sacrifice, dedication and discipline. He endured many storms in his life, but he always would rise above the raging waves to see the next horizon of opportunity.
Marvin is survived by his daughters, Kim Specker (Steve), Overland Park, Kans., Kris Peoples (Rodney), Lawson, Mo., KaTee Porter (Craig), Liberty, Mo., Dr. Rebecca Chamberlain, McKinley, Texas and David Chamberlain of Kelso, Wash.
Marvin is survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Joshua Peoples (wife, Kelsey, and daughter, Addy), Astoria, N.Y., Jordan Peoples (wife, Mary Catherine, and son, Joseph), Nashville, Tenn., Kalee Peoples, Nashville, Tenn., Kurtis Blunt (wife, Marisa), Roeland Park, Kans., Topher Blunt, Overland Park, Kans., Jade Daly and McKinley Chamberlain, Kelso, Wash., and Chase Porter, Liberty, Mo.
Retirement drew Marvin to the shores of the Turks & Caicos to continue his entrepreneurial spirit as he built a house for he and his bride on the island of Middle Caicos. Marvin found the island to be his special place for rest, relaxation and friendship.
One thing to be said about Marvin was that he lived life large. Nothing was small in Marvin’s world. Marvin had many dreams, aspirations and ideas and lived to see most of them come to fruition. He loved his wife and family dearly. Marvin’s adventurous spirit, tenacity and subtle grin will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel. Funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, April 22, 2018, also at the funeral home with burial following at Lawson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions suggested to Meet The Need.
Our Sincere Condolences
Jean,
Our condolences to you and your family. Marvin was a great man and we too are devastated by his death. He was a valued friend and Tractor Buddie. These men in Ford/Fordson were my boys. I will never forget how Marvin and I conducted Meetings. Jean, you know that story all too well. I will miss him and I am grateful he was a part of our life.
Love to you, Jean.
We are only a phone call away.
Lynne
My condolences.
Sherri (Shaver) Robinson
Marvin held a special place in our heart. It was a pleasure to spend time with him and listen to his wisdom. Our deepest condolences.
Darren and Nicole
To the family of Marvin Shepherd:
I extend my sympathy to Marvin’s family and friends. May the memories made during this lifetime help during this difficult time. (I knew Marvin in high school at UHS.)
Bonnie (Correll) Ruwart
Marvin must of sent his goodbye to me. I met Marvin when Ray County Implement closed as he was at the auction. Immediately I loved this man. He wanted me to come to work for him which I did temporary back on 1986 even though it was a long drive. Probably the best man I’ve ever worked for my whole life. He always made me smile. I think his partner in business was Kenny. All of a sudden I had a dream last night about him and googled him to see if I could touch base and say hi. I know there is such a higher power and this was his way of saying bye. He helped make me the man I am today with just the little time I worked for him. God bless this family and Marvin your memory will remain forever with me.
Brett Grabb
I did not know Marvin well as I was only a classmate our Senior year at UHS, but I remember him as nice, quiet and friendly. What a wonderful tribute; I know he will be missed greatly by family and friends. My prayers go out to all.
Judy Johnson
Marvin and I were in high school all four years together. We were in vo ag and FFA together. He was always a great guy. I don’t think I ever heard him say anything mean about someone.
Jimmy Ingersoll