LeMuel C. Sheppard, SSG, USAF Retired, passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. He was 25 years old. LeMuel was born June 30, 1997 in Columbus, Ohio to TaLisa Sheppard and Chris Walker.
He was a 2015 graduate of Gahanna-Lincoln High School, where he excelled at playing basketball. Throughout his life playing basketball was the one thing that really allowed him to clear his head. Following high school he attended Ohio University until he joined the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force he earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice through UMGC as well as a certified associate degree through the Air Force and a Project Management Certification. He also attended Ft. Hayes College online, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics. He was optimistic about opportunities for a career in project management.
While in the Air Force LeMuel received many awards: 4 for airman of the month, 3 for airman of the quarter and 1 for airman of the year. He proudly displayed 4 rows of awards on his dress blues including:
AF Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon, AF Overseas Ribbon Long Tour, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, and the AF Achievement Medal.
LeMuel had a heart for volunteering and mentoring others, and loved helping homeless people and homeless pets. He connected easily with people and never knew a stranger.
Katanna Grove entered LeMuel’s life one memorable day in 2014 when she was running to her school bus and accidentally tripped over his foot. He noticed her, she noticed him and their story began. Katanna and LeMuel were married on September 22, 2017 and were blessed with two children, Layla (age 5) and Mateo (age 2). In addition to his wife, parents and children, he leaves behind his sisters, Lanae Sheppard and Lydia (Duvawn) Robinson; brother Liam Sheppard; grandparents William Sheppard and Glenda Sheppard; aunts and uncles: TaKeysha (Terry), TaRia, TaNikka, Ty-Wann (Andrea), TurRonn and TreVarr Sheppard; mother-in-law Victoria Gonzalez; father-in-law Nicholas (Kristin) Grove Sr.; many friends and military comrades.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230 where visiting will begin at 10:30 am. Interment immediately following at Dayton National Cemetery where we will all meet for a 2pm ceremony.
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