William Paul Shepherd

William Paul Shepherd, age 56, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday afternoon, February 17, 2005, in Union Hospital at Dover following a lengthy illness.Born in Dover, March 30, 1948, he was a son of Lilian Mennom Shepherd and the late William F. Shepherd. A 1966 graduate of Tuscarawas Valley High School, Mr. Shepherd went to work for Dover Machine. He was later affiliated with a former 7-Up distributor, U.S. Ceramic in East Sparta, Joy Manufacturing, and ultimately Smurfit-Stone Container, where he worked for more than two decades before disability forced an early retirement.Mr. Shepherd was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, and enjoyed playing the accordian.Mr. Shepherd married his high school sweetheart, the former Diana Lynn Martin on November 18, 1967. Together they raised two sons; Ron (Becky) Shepherd and Joe (Michelle) Shepherd, both of New Philadelphia. His family, in addition to his wife and mother, and children, includes four grandchildren; April Sue Shepherd, Alexander Scott Shepherd, Andrew Steven Shepherd, and Lauren Michelle Davia, a sister; Jolien (James) Wrana of Mineral City, and a mother-in-law; Nettie C. “Kate” Martin of Mineral City. In addition to his father, William was preceded in death by his father-in-law; Wilbur Martin. Friends are invited to call Monday afternoon from 1-3, and 6-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. James Taggart will lead Mr. Shepherd’s funeral ceremony Tuesday morning, February 22, 2005, at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow at East Avenue Cemetery. Following the committal service, the congregation of Otterbein United Methodist Church will host a reception in the fellowship hall on the lower level of the church at 156 Beaver Avenue NE at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions may be made to the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Avenue NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.