Orbus Shepard

April 11, 1930 - November 30, 2021

Orbus Harvey Shepard “Shep”, loving father of Dawn Marie Darnell (William), and Belinda Jean Raulston (Dudley) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at his home in Salem, Missouri surrounded by his family at the age of 91. Orbus was born on April 11, 1930, in Lesterville, Missouri to the late Anzil Sr. and Leola Blanche (Volner) Shepard. After graduating from Rolla High School Class of 1950, he immediately embarked on a 20-year military career, that allowed hm the opportunity to travel, see the world, and to further his education. Orbus retired as a Technical Staff Sargent, and received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and an Oak Leaf Cluster for his dedication of service and loyalty, Orbus married Joyce Taylor on August 22, 1964. To this union his daughters, Belinda, and Dawn were born. He later married Euretha (Gilbreth) Taylor on August 22, 1975, they were married until her passing in February 2013. Orbus stated he chose August 22nd for both marriages because it was the day his parents had married in 1924. Orbus was a member of the Masonic Lodge #225, American Legion Walker Rooney Post #99, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Salem 3422, and the SOCMO Shriners Clown Unit, dedicating his time, service, and raising money for various charities. He was generous at heart and had a great sense of humor. During St. Patrick’s Day he would grow a beard and dye it green, allowing others to cut it for charitable donations. He participated in many parades as a Shriner Clown. Orbus loved to hunt, fish, camp, pitch horseshoes, and play shuffleboard. He would often pick up a sketchpad and draw the beautiful scenery of Montauk. He especially loved spending time with his family, and friends. In addition to his parents, Orbus was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Euretha Shepard; sisters, Melinda Lenorh Patterson, Geneva Miles, and Jessie Melton; brothers, Anzil Shepard “Sonny” Jr., and Carrol Gene Shepard; stepson, William Taylor; son-in-law, William Darnell. Orbus is survived by his two daughters, stepdaughter, Kay Ferranto (Richard); stepson, Greg Taylor; son-in-law, Dudley Raulston; sister, Alverna Stroburg; grandchildren, Ariel Vance, Angela Laycock, Michael Thomas, and Ashley Thomas; twelve great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral service for Orbus Harvey Shepard were held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Salem Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Steve Bramblett officiating. A visitation for family and friends was held at the Chapel prior to the service from 12:00 until service time. Interment was at North Lawn Cemetery with full military honors where Orbus was be laid to rest next to his beloved Retha. Serving as Pallbearers were; Steve Connors, Richard Ferranto, Ken Brasier, Randy Kennedy, Dudley Raulston and Chris Raulston.