Jerry Eldon Shepard

Jerry Eldon Shepard was born on January 18, 1939, in Wilson, Oklahoma. He passed peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2025.

Jerry grew up in southern Oklahoma with his parents, Clarence and Bertie Shepard, and his siblings, Bill, Paul, and Linda. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army National Guard, where he learned to drive tanks and became highly proficient in—and greatly enjoyed—operating tank artillery. He later transitioned to the United States Air Force.

After completing basic training, Jerry was stationed in Greenland. He was later transferred to Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base in Oklahoma, where he met his future wife, Phyllis. They were married in 1961, and in 1962 they welcomed their only son, Rex.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Jerry and his family settled in Yukon, Oklahoma. He began a career as an auto mechanic and eventually became a certified master mechanic. Jerry loved hunting trips and collecting and shooting firearms. He also greatly enjoyed weekend road trips with his family and dining out with his wife.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Shepard; his mother, Bertie Shepard; his son, Rex Lynn Shepard; his sister, Linda Newburn; his brother, Bill Shepard; and his wife, Phyllis Shepard.

He is survived by his brother, Paul Shepard; his nephew, Jeffrey Shepard, his wife Toni, and their son Blake; and his niece, Lisa McLinn, her husband Spencer, and their son Gavin.

A viewing will be held at Yanda & Son Funeral Home on Friday, December 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Jerry's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon, with interment to follow at Yukon Cemetery, Yukon, Oklahoma.