West Topsham, VT – Don Nelson Shepard, 91, died on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Woodridge Rehabilitation, Berlin, VT, following a period of failing health.

He was born in West Canaan, NH, October 27, 1924, a son of Frank and Rose (Bombard) Shepard.  Don served with the 7th Cavalry in the South Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in January 1946 as a Sergeant.

He married Princetta L. Bailey on February 28, 1948 and she predeceased him on October 9, 2001.

For many years he worked as a quarryman and maintenance worker for Cook, Watkins & Patch and later with North Barre Granite.  Following retirement, Don and Princetta enjoyed camping and traveling, and wintered for nine years in Zephyrhills, FL.  Spending time with and helping his family was most important to Don. He also enjoyed the outdoors, boating, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling.   He was a former member of the Tri-Village Fire Department and Topsham Zoning Board.

Survivors include a daughter, Brenda Shepard of Groton, VT; a son, Michael Shepard and wife Jeanette of South Ryegate, VT; four grandchildren, Tara Drew and husband Troy, Erica MacRitchie and husband Chris, Pamela Gonyo and husband Eric, and Wade Shepard and wife Heather; nine great grandchildren, Alaura and Bailey Trojanowski, Princetta Drew, Cade and Ace MacRitchie, Bailey, Victoria, Dakota, and Winfield Shepard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with his wife, Princetta, he was predeceased by twelve siblings, and by his companion Patricia Shepard on December 15, 2010.

There will be no calling hours.

A graveside service will be in the Groton Village Cemetery (Old Section), on Saturday,

October 1st , at 10 AM, with Pastor Candace Ricker of the Groton Methodist Church officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, 504 Mekkelson Hill Road, Barre, VT 05641.

Don's family would like to thank the staff at Woodridge Rehab for the kind, compassionate care he received.