J B Shepherd

J B Shepherd, son of William George and Mabel Frances Shepherd, was born on November 23, 1931, in Ames, Oklahoma, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 7, 2026, in Alva at the age of 94.

He graduated from high school in Ames and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Northwestern Oklahoma University. On March 23, 1952, he married Dorothy Faye Hull, and together they raised three children: Ray, Kathy, and Philip. J B began his career teaching in Attica, Kansas, and later in Lakin, Kansas. He returned to Northwestern to complete a master’s degree and served as a principal in Garden City, Kansas. After the passing of his in-laws, he moved back to Waynoka to farm and ranch on the Jess Hull family land.

A longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Waynoka, J B was a committed Christian who deeply valued his faith and often spoke of the importance of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. He was active in the Optimist Club in Garden City and served as president of the Oklahoma State Beekeepers Association. He found joy in hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and woodworking, yet devoted most of his time and energy to his farming and ranching. Above all, he cherished his family and friends and treasured every moment spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, his son Philip Shepherd, his granddaughter Rebecca Simon, and his sisters Juanita Rider and Dorothy Kilmer. He is survived by his son Ray Shepherd and wife Mae Ann of Jenks, his daughter Kathy Simon and husband Tim of Jenks, his sister Sharon Shepherd of Enid, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.