C. Tom Shepard

C. Tom Shepard, 88, of Holts Summit, passed from this life on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at Osage Beach Rehab and Health Care. He was born August 7, 1923, in Salem, Mo., the son of Oswald and Susan (White) Shepard. He was united in marriage to June Balzer on November 15, 1986. She survives at their home. Through two marriages, he was blessed with 13 children, 30 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Tom served in the United States Navy as a gunner's mate during World War II. He worked as a Corrections Officer for the State of Missouri. He was a member of VFW Post 1003 in Jefferson City, American Legion Post 5, and Eagles 2693 of Jefferson City. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and barbecuing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, two daughters, and one brother. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. at Debo Funeral Home in Holts Summit on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. Interment with military honors will follow at Summit Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 27, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of customary memorials, the family suggests donations be made in Tom's name to the Veteran's Hospital in Columbia, c/o Debo Funeral Home, P.O. Box 818, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.debofuneralhome.com.