Obituary of W. W. Shepard

"Eighty-eight years of interested, worth-while living came to a close last Sunday morning, May 2, when Will W. Shepard of Ideson Road, went quietly to sleep at the family home after a long period of failing health.  In spite of the loss of his wife and two daughters not long ago, the venerable man remained courageous and cheerful to the last, his quiet dignity and friendly personality making itself felt far beyond the circle of teh family.

A memorial service was held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 pm at the Merton Kays Funeral Home with Rev. Carlyle Smith of the Methodist Chruch conducting the rites.  Burial was beside his wife in North Bloomfield Cemetery.  Mr. Shepard's grandson's acted as bearers.

Mr. Shepard was bron December 1, 1865, near Wayland, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Prentice W. Shepard.  He grew to manhood at the Wayland home and on a farm near Springwater where the family later located.  On May 16, 1888, he was married to Lillian Hunt with whom he enjoyed nearly 65 years of married life.  The well-known couple observed their golden wedding in 1938.  The couple made their earlier home on Boughton Hill Road, and moved from there to teh present residence when their house burned in 1922.  Eight children came to the Shepards, five girls and three boys, making up the family circle.  Surviving are Mrs. B. F. Proper of Honeoye Falls; Mabel, Elston and Helen at home; Wendall of Lockport; and Leslie of Short Hills, N. J.  Isobel Darville and Eloise Degling passed away a few years ago.

Mr. Shepard was at one time butter-maker and then manager of the Honeoye Falls Elgin Creamery company, predecessor of the Dutch Hollow Creamery in the home village.  He was also deeply interested in all new and progressive methods of farming and even in his later years, when ill health often bothered, could be found working on experiments which pointed toward better farm procedure.  Few families have so harmonious and deep and interest in their special vocations as have the Sheaprds.  Thsoe fortunate enough to know them find matters of stimulating interst to be observed and discussed at their home, where a warm welcome is given all who call.

The sympthay of a host of friends is extended to the family in its loss."


source:  "The Honeoye Falls Times" Thursday, 6 May 1954, on microfilm, found at Town of Mendon Public Library, Monroe Co, New York, obituary of W. W. Shepard.