He grew up on a farm in Johnson City, Missouri, where he learned about the life of farming and gardening at a young age. He graduated from Appleton City High School in 1967. After high school, he and his lifelong friend Les, began working as farmhands, and through the years they worked for many different farmers in the Appleton City area including Rollin Motley. They also enjoyed helping at the local rodeos.
Larry married and had two children, Tina and Michael, then was later divorced and married Wanda Norby on December 24, 1990.
Larry enjoyed going fishing, and finding treasures at auctions. Every day he enjoyed having his morning coffee with neighbors. Through his lifetime, his interest grew in flea marketing, and he had his own booths which he enjoyed setting up almost every weekend in the summertime.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Elmore and Abby Shepard, wife Wanda Shepard, sister-in-law Connie Shepard, and great-grandson Owen Davis. Survivors include his brother Lonnie Shepard; Aunt Elsie Fay Patterson; his children, Tina Mitchel (Sam Hood) and Michael Shepard; grandchildren, Tony Davis, Nickolas Mitchel, and Sara Green (Brian); great grandchildren Ian Davis, Brilyn Green, Ellie green; and many nieces, nephews, and a lifelong friend Les Parsons.
He was loved and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 pm Monday, December 29. 2025 with memorial service to begin at 6:30 pm.
Courtesy Hill & Son Funeral Home
