Cecil Buzz Burtus Shepherd Jr.

Cecil Burtus Shepherd Jr. was born on October 16, 1918, in Huron, South Dakota, and joyfully joined his Lord, wife “Bea,” and other loved ones in Heaven on June 18, 2016. “Buzz,” as he was called by his family and friends, was the son of Cecil B. Shepherd Sr. and Clara Andersen Shepherd. A life-long scholar, he received multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Dakota State University, the University of Chicago, the University of Akron, and the University of Oklahoma. He proudly served his country as a General Weather and Flight Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and as a Project Engineer during the Korean War.

Under the Lord’s guidance, Buzz married the love of his life, Martha “Bea” Shepherd, on February 8, 1946. Buzz and Bea had an exceptional marriage lasting more than 66 years at the time of Bea’s passing, with each one unconditionally dedicated to the other. Together they raised two daughters and later greatly enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world. Following his military service, he continued working as an engineer and project manager and spent the final 10 years of his career as a college professor at Rose State College in Oklahoma City.

Buzz is survived by his two daughters Suzanne (Richard) Discenza of Shawnee, KS, and Cynthia (Kent) Yoesting of Houston, TX; his grandchildren Matthew (Michele) Streeter and children Aidan and Clara of Canon City, CO; Julie (John) Fortenbery and children Connor and Addison of O’Fallon, IL; Amanda (Jake) Hendrix and children James and Daniel of Erie, CO; Tyler (Casey) Yoesting of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Travis Yoesting of Tyler, TX; and step-grandsons Dean (Pam) and children Peter and Clara of Rochester, NY, and Ryan (Jennifer) of Norman OK. Many special nieces and nephews also survive him. His beloved wife, parents, and sister Marjorie preceded him in death.

Memorial Services will be held in Buzz’s honor 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 22, at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, with Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6001 Northwest Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Contributions in Buzz’s memory may be made to the university or charity of one’s choice. Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.