Donald A. Shepard

Donald A. Shepard Jr., 74, of Danville, formerly of Byron, MI, passed away at 1:05 PM on Friday, April 20, 2012 at his residence. Donald was born on August 23, 1937 in Benton Harbor, MI, the son of Donald and Florence (Tillstrom) Shepard Sr. He married Evelyn Hibbard on May 23, 1959 in Byron, MI. She survives. He is survived by one son-Greg (Julie) Shepard of Danville, two brothers- Victor (Ruth) Shepard of St. Petersburg, Fl and Robert (Ruthi) Shepard of Cannon Falls, MN, three grandchildren- Jacob, Emily and Carley Shepard, two sister - in-laws- Ruth Ann Oliver of Byron, MI and Dorothy (Karl) Schechter of Byron, MI, one special aunt- Gertrude Tillstrom and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one son- Gerald Allen Shepard. Donald graduated from Byron High School and then enrolled at Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in high school education and then his Master's degree in Vocational Agriculture Education. After college he spent one year teaching in Allegan, MI then four years in Byron, MI. Donald then spent fifteen years working for the Michigan Farm Bureau Services before coming to Danville where he began work at Shur-Gain Feeds and Quality Liquid Feeds. In 1987 he started his own business, Double S Liquid Feeds Inc. where he worked until November of 2011. He was a member of the Byron Masonic Lodge for 50 years. He was an avid Michigan State sports fan and a big supporter of the FFA. He loved spending time going to family sporting events and especially loved his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Donald's Life will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville with Rev. Randall L. Robinson officiating. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Byron Cemetery in Byron, MI. Memorials can be made in Donald's name to the Michigan FFA Foundation. Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com