Roy Allen Shepard

       Roy Allen Shepard, age 80 of Chesterton, passed away on July 21, 2024. He was born on December 6, 1943 in Valparaiso, IN to Jack and Violet June (Byers) Shepard, both of whom preceded him in death.

       He is survived by his loving children: Todd (Jenn) Shepard of Indianapolis, IN, Kristin (Keith) Krizman of Park Ridge, IL, and Megan (Jason) Hinton of Park Ridge, IL; the children’s mother, Leslie Shepard of Culver, IN; his grandchildren: Ellen, Lucy, Eve, Sawyer, Lincoln, Logan, Emma, Eliza, and Liam; his siblings: David (Carol) Shepard of Chesterton, IN and Linda Wheatman of Chesterton, IN; and “his best girl,” Mary Anne (Brown) Jordan of Chesterton, IN.

       In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Tina and Ronald.

       Roy was a graduate of Chesterton High School in the class of 1962. Following graduation, Roy served in the Army in the Field Artillery and was deployed to Germany. Upon his return from the Army, Roy moved to Culver and obtained his associates degree from Purdue University in Industrial Engineering. Roy was a dedicated member of the Culver community and served in many civic organizations such as the Jaycees, Commissioner of the Culver Little League, and Culver Economic Development Committee. He was a part of the group that reinvigorated Culver by bringing in new businesses and founding the Culver Lakefest, for which he was the first chairman. He played in multiple bands and played percussion for the Maxinkuckee Players theatre productions for many years. He coached his kids in basketball, baseball, and went to countless sporting events in support of his 3 children and 9 grandchildren.

       Following retirement from McGill Manufacturing Company, Roy returned to Chesterton where he kept himself busy with many activities. He loved golfing, dancing, watching movies, hunting for morels, and eating breakfast/lunch with his veteran friends and buddies from Chesterton. Roy was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Valparaiso where he served as a lay minister.

       Roy’s most important job in retirement was being Grampa/Papa. Roy was always available to play Shut the Box or Scrabble, push the grandkids on the swings for hours, read books, take walks to get ice cream, cheer grandkids playing sports, or hunt for morel mushrooms. He loved drawing, playing games, building, drawing or coloring with them, or just stopping by to take them to lunch. Roy’s last day was spent at the annual Culver Lakefest where he served as one of the marshals of the parade. He spent the day walking around the festival and visiting with people. In his words, he was having a “FANTASTIC” day. After a full day of activities, hugs, and laughter, he went home with a full and happy heart. May we all be blessed with such a wonderful last day.

       A private family service will be held at St. Andrews. A celebration of his life will be held in Culver on Oct 12. In lieu of flowers, the family will be setting up a memorial fund to honor Roy’s legacy. The family will share the details once the fund is established.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN. Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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