Carl Edward Shepherd

Carl Edward Shepherd, who most knew as "Ed", went peacefully to his eternal home on the 1st of January 2024, with the love of his life by his side.

Born February 5, 1951, in Pine Mountain, Kentucky, to Elva (Gilliam) and Carl Shepherd, one of six children. In 1968, Ed moved to Moorcroft, Wyoming, pursuing a career in the oilfield.

Not only did this move create a lifetime of great opportunity, but it was also here found the love of his life. June 1969, in a small-town cafe and a glimpse of an eye is all it took for a now 54-year marriage to commence. 

On March 9, 1970, in Clintwood, Virginia, Ed married Virginia Kay Thompson. Together they adopted five children and opened their door to many others. 

During his working career, Ed worked for various oil companies, the Railroad and Jelco Construction. In 1976, due to an unfortunate accident, multiple surgeries, and a lengthy recovery, Ed would work the remainder of his career on the family ranch and as a member of the board and caretaker of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Rozet.

Throughout the years, camping, hunting and fishing were a huge part of Ed's life. Having his family, friends and children accompany him are what made the experiences much brighter. But one thing was for certain, his enjoyment was much greater if his wife Kay was by his side. 

Dad and "PowPaw" were two words that Ed held at the highest of honor. Amongst raising his own children, he had a huge impact in raising his siblings, multiple immediate family members, his children's friends, and his grandchildren.

The joy of being a part in raising his grandchildren can never be put into words, carrying these memories until his last breath. The foundation of ethics, respect and value that he possessed, believed and shared has affected the lives of an immense number of young men and women.

To know Ed was to love and adore him. The lives he touched while here on earth are endless. His kind, generous and humorous spirit will live in the hearts of many. 

As his time on earth is done, we are reminded, his job here was finished, the pain he endured is relieved and, as he was taken in the hands of Jesus, no finer words were spoken: well done, my good and faithful servant.

Preceded in death by parents, maternal and paternal grandparents and numerous In-laws. Survived by wife, Kay Shepherd; siblings, Beulah Sturgil, Aline (Joe) Hitt, Bobby D. Shepherd, Gail (Don) Frady and Missy Smith; children, Tara (Mark) Morgan, Corrie (Joe) Martinez, Robert Shepherd, Glenn Shepherd (Raechell O'Dell) and Katie (Michael) Payne; grandchildren, Calla Pownall, Scott Shepherd, Aubrey Shepherd, Thompson Payne and Jamie Payne. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A graveside service was Monday, January 8, 2024, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery Rozet, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Gillette Memorial Chapel to; Kay Thompson ℅ the Carl Edward Shepherd Memorial 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at http://www.gillettememorialchapel.com.