Bill Shepherd

(From Parker Mortuary)

William “Bill” Wallace Shepherd (a life-long resident of Joplin) was reunited with his wife in heaven on August 1, 2024 surrounded by his family in Joplin, Missouri.

William was born on July 15, 1950 to Conner and Shirley (Wallace) Shepherd. He grew up attending Joplin Schools and graduated from Joplin High School in 1968. He enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation and completed an 18 month tour in Vietnam as a combat engineer. He finished out his 3 year commitment to the Army as an AIT Instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

In 1970 he met the love of his life, Marji Ann Alderman. They were married on October 2, 1970 in a joint wedding with Bob and Suzette Alderman. Together Bill and Marji raised their two sons in Joplin.

Bill was a man of many talents and skills. He continued to serve his country via the Missouri National Guard 203rd Engineering Battalion for 12 years. He later attended and graduated from Crowder College with an associate’s degree in Construction Technology. Bill was an active member of the Laborers Local 319 Union for the past 50 years. After he retired from Construction; he kept active by driving a bus for Joplin Schools for 15 years before finally retiring to take care of Marji.

He was a devoted church member who attended Greenwood Baptist church for over 30 years and Spring City Baptist Church for the past 17 years. He and Marji were very generous and spent much of their free time volunteering within their church, helping out their community and helping those in need.

His biggest joy in life was providing for his family and seeing his grandchildren grow up. He attended many of their sporting events, dance recitals, and school programs. He was always quick with a good joke or funny story about his life. Bill enjoyed hunting with his sons and grandson. He could be found most days either outside working on a project or spending time with family and friends.

After the passing of Marji in 2023, he adopted his cat “Kitty” and they were great companions. They often enjoyed an afternoon nap together or watching videos.







Bill is survived by his two sons, Bill (Sarah) Shepherd of Arkansas; Scott (Kellee) Shepherd of Joplin; Grandchildren Spencer Shepherd of Joplin; Hannah Shepherd of Joplin; Mason Shepherd of Springfield, Mo; Brook, Spring, and River Shepherd of Arkansas, his niece Jennfer (Mike) Reed of Joplin; great niece Gabby Kelso of Joplin; his nephew DJ (Zach) Smith of Joplin. Brothers-in-law: Dan Sherman; John Alderman; Steve (Linda) Alderman; David (Lisa) Alderman; Jim Alderman; and Sisters-in-law; Cheryl (Eric) Ward; Crystal Davis; and Colleen Alderman.

He was preceded in death by his parents Conner Shepherd and Shirley (Wallace) Shepherd; sister Reta Sherman; Sister-in-law Teresa Alderman and his wife of 52 years, Marji Shepherd.

A memorial service for Bill to celebrate his life will be held Saturday August 24th at Spring City Baptist Church at 10:30 in the morning. All relatives and friends are invited to attend.