Obituary lovingly written by the family~

Tom Shepherd, 78, of Monett, Missouri formerly of Sarcoxie, Missouri, was born in Granby, Missouri, on July 18, 1941. He went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 21, 2019.

He graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1959. He attended Drury University and Missouri State University. Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Betty Lou Bailey on August 18, 1963, sharing fifty six years together. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1966-1968.

He followed in his father's footsteps to become a lumberman. Following his father's passing in 1968, Tom operated Shepherd Lumber Company. He was a member of the Countryside Christian Church and a fifty plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and The Order of the Eastern Star.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Louis and Katherine D. Mosher Shepherd; twin sons, Stephen T. and Richard A. Shepherd; and one brother, Billy Louis Shepherd.

Tom is survived by his wife, Betty; son, David L. Shepherd, and wife, Marla; daughter, Susan D. Royko, and husband, Troy; four grandchildren, Joel A. Shepherd, Brooke K. Shepherd, Madeline N. Royko and Megan M. Royko; and brother John M. Shepherd.

Funeral services for Tom are 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, with Pastor Don Crockett officiating. Interment will follow at the Newtonia IOOF Cemetery in Newtonia, Missouri. Visitation will be from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Contributions in his name may be directed to one of the following charities in care of the funeral home, Countryside Christian Church, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Shriner's Children Hospital in St. Louis. On line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.