Mr. William David Shepard

October 9, 1935 - April 3, 2022

SHEPARD William David “Dave” Shepard, MD, 86, of Inverness, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on October 9, 1935 in Des Moines, IA and was the son of the late Sydney and Helen (Keogh) Shepard. He married the love of his life, Joyce “Audrey” Shepard in Marion, IN. Dave graduated from East Des Moines High School. He attended college at Iowa State University and worked part time to help pay his way. Not a lot of grants were to be had back then, and funds for his education being an issue, he continued his education at Drake University in Iowa where he taught a nursing class for 2 years. More education and training followed in Wayne County, MI. In July of 1964 Dave enlisted in the United States Navy as a Medical Doctor where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander before he concluded his military service in July of 1973. From 1964 – 1969 he served at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where he was attached to the 2nd Recon Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He was the commanding officer of the 2nd Hospital Company – Force Troops, 2nd Marine Division from 1968 – 1969 serving in Vietnam as a Medical Doctor to the U. S. Navy and U. S. Marine Corps. Dave served his residency at the U. S. Naval Hospital located in Portsmouth, VA. From 1969 – 1971. While serving his county, Dave was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal and Dominican Republic Campaign medal. In 1967 he successfully completed Airborne School at Fort Benning in Georgia where he earned his Navy/Marine Parachutist Wings. Following his service in the Navy, Dave obtained his goal of becoming a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. He practiced in Slidell, LA, Marion, IN, where he had his own practice and Albert Lea, MN. He was dedicated to his practice of Orthopedics and helped many people. Besides his practice, he spent countless hours on call helping with many injuries, including middle of the night, weekends and holidays, he was always there to help. Dave loved helping people and did so until he retired in 2000 from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dave’s hobbies included hunting and fishing. He took big game hunting trips to the Dakotas and Montana hunting with his friends, until the last trip when he said “that’s it”, I am putting my guns away. He also loved to go to Las Vegas with his wife Audrey and won several jackpots over the years. Dave’s biggest love was his family, being an only child, family was very important to him. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Audrey, his 5 children, whom he spoiled, Carron Fights and Cindy Vaughn of Inverness, FL, Chris Coppock of Gas City, IN, Laurie Glenn Shepard of Portland, OR and Deirdree Chesteron of Indiana. Also surviving are his 11 grandchildren, who are so special and loving and were at the top of his list, Tia (Jeff) Long and Raeann Vaughn of Inverness, FL, Kayc’Jo Vaughn and Steve Gill of Tennessee, Derek Fights of Kentucky, Nick Fights of Inverness, FL, Christa Coppock of New Jersey, Mari Glenn Shepard of Oregon, Paige Ross and Dalton Coppock of Indiana. He also leaves behind 7 great grandchildren, Hunter and Zoey Long of Florida, Addison (Travis) Reaves and Spencer Gill of Selmer, TN and Audrey, Bella and Elljah Fights of Kentucky along with a great great granddaughter Evie Ross. There were so many wonderful memories shared with the families. The past 2 years he had struggled with health problems and had become disabled. But he never complained once. Instead he said many times that he was blessed, that he had such a wonderful family, that they were all so great, that they had had lots of achievements and success and the he hoped he had been a part of that. The family wishes to thank Citrus County Hospice for their care along with their family, friends, neighbors and two special friends, Peter and Bill. At Dave’s request there will be no services at this time. His ashes will be interred in Sweetser, IN. The Inverness Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at HooperFuneralHome.com.