David was the kindest, most caring person I have ever known. I think the first time I met him, my Husband, Jerry Alan and I were in high school. David and his Mother were at Mom's house ( my Mother-in-Law, Vivian Blanckaert Uncle Terry's Sister). It was evident even then how terrific he was and remained so all these years. 
Back in 2010, Jerry and I with our Grandson, Dalton were blessed to stay with Maggie and David for a few days and such hosts they were showing us around St. Louis. Wonderful memories.
David was never far separated from his camera (Jerry and David were two peas in this area). 
Over the years when together here with Family, he took photos of the Family groups and made sure all had copies of the photos.  Mom got copies of each group as well.
I lost Jerry Alan after 55years of marriage in January 2020.  David, Maggie, Barb and Jan came to support all of us. Such generosity and love we all felt.
After that, David called every week to check in, check up, encourage and support me and my Family. We had some fun conversations and touched base on our extended Family.
He chose not to tell me about his cancer (Jerry had fought cancer).
He certainly gave it a run and terrific fight. God love him. David will be loved and truly missed forever.
My Love, my Heart and my Prayers will be with Maggie and Family ongoing.
Rest well, Precious David where you belong.
God's Love and Richest Blessings to all.
Cherie  Blanckaert and Family

I'm so sorry for your loss. The family photos show a life well lived. May those memories comfort you during this time.

Neil Koenig 

I’m so sorry for your loss of  my friend and neighbor. I’ll always remember the smile on his face when I tried to race him down the street on our lawn mowers! I am honored to know him and enjoyed our talks, he will missed and was a staple of our neighborhood. Godspeed Dave…

Lost a dear friend of 64  years I met David in the 9th grade at Pattonville Jr High  we remained friends through the years crossing paths many times He was a best friend to my late brother Ed Keating David touched many life's through the years Always there for you when ever needed no questions asked, I  hold so many memories of David close to my heart they will always be a part of me My thoughts and prayers go out to his family God is at your side and will help you through your loss.
David gave it one hell of a fight to beat this cancer he stood his ground but after he won the first battle it returned and was not curable  
There are so many memories that David left behind  many we will never know about through the people he met in his life .I remember the day Annie I wanted to take his convertible for a spin he hesitated but gave in but the last thing he said to us was do not go to Chuck a Burger or Steak n Shake we said ok.Well as we drove down the Rock Road heading to where we we not suppose to go.Just before Woodson Rd a car came out of  a side street hit the passenger side of car  spun it around and hit a telephone pole head on. First thing I said was I'm not calling him, Annie said we'll let the police handle it ok David got the call came to where we were and the first thing he said was, Are you both ok ? Then he said I told you not to go to those places didn't I ? I then said but we didn't even make it that far he just got a big smile on his face and said Yeah your right about that. He said the only thing that mattered was that we were ok  and we will talk about all this later. It took him a few days to do that and really was very cool about it I thank God he had a forgiving heart.
He was a remarkable man one to be proud to say " He was your friend and that you knew him" He will be missed and will be remembered always !!  You will suffer no longer David rest in peace

To the Shephard Family: My condolences to you all. I am writing this on behalf of  the Hagan Family. The MHFPD family was so special to my Dad, Chief Hagan and he always held a special place in his heart for the men under him. They were his boys and that includes your loved one Dave. May he RIP and May you all find comfort in the memories you all can share. 

Dave was a great guy! I have nothing but fond memories of my time working for Dave. He was the consummate professional firefighter who always took the time to help anyone learn the proper way to use equipment for use on a fire.  I have so many memories of him it’s hard to pick them:
1.  In 1976 I had just started working for MHFPD when Dave asked me to participate in a fire hose coupling competition(among other fire-related events)  held in Washington, MO. He could have invited a “seasoned” firefighter; but, he asked me to help make me feel needed as the new guy!
2.  We had a Seagraves, stick-shift fire truck that he trained me on as a new driver. He told me you could shift gears on the truck without using the clutch if you ran up the rpm’s properly, and much to my surprise it worked! It was the “little” things that made him a special man. 
3. Dave was head over heals in love with Maggie…when the guys were going to the “East Side” on their (our) day off, he would say, and I’ll never forget it…”why go out for steak when you can stay home for prime rib!”
I was fortunate to visit with him a couple of weeks ago at a retiree’s luncheon, and it was evident that he had suffered from his illness. His mind seemed sharp and he laughed when we reminisced about the old days.

It’s sad that Dave is gone; but, he will be remembered as a family man with strong convictions, a very clear understanding of right from wrong

When I was a child I was afraid of Uncle Dave. As I got older I realized the kind-hearted person he was. Growing up he was always there for my mom and us six kids. Whenever we needed him. More recent, he was ALWAYS a sure ride to the airport. For a lot of people.

Thanks for everything, you were the best!

He will surely be missed by all who knew him, but more so by the family that loved him.

Prayers and peace.

Love Dawn, Gabbi & Katie

Uncle Dave was such a wonderful man, more of a father and friend to me than an uncle. He was always there for us and would do anything for anyone.  Heaven has gained another angel for sure.

Thankful he is no longer suffering and is at peace.

We will love and miss him forever. ❤️
Ronnie and Tammy

OBITUARY

David Lawrence Shepherd

October 5, 1943 – April 12, 2023

Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home and Mt Lebanon Cemetery

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