ROBERT K. SHEPARD

 Robert K. Shepard, 72, of Watervliet, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at his home in Watervliet. He was born July 31, 1953, in Coloma, MI, to Bill and Ruth (Hanners) Shepard.

 The family will receive guests from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., Saint Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.starks-menchinger.com.

 Bob worked at MAC Engineering in Benton Harbor, MI, and had a fulfilling 50-year career working in various roles, traveling the world before becoming a shop supervisor until his retirement. In his younger years, Bob was a role model for his son, involving himself as Scout leader of Troop 662 for many years, as well as playing an active role as a little league coach. Bob liked to unwind on the weekends at Hartford Speedway with his “Turn Four Crew”. He also was a competitive bowler during the Friday night leagues at both Blossom & Coloma Lanes. He liked to hunt, but seemed to feed more deer than he shot, was a self-proclaimed “foodie”, loved watching Gunsmoke, and listening to old radio shows. But there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family and cheering on his grandson at his football games, which he never missed.

 Bob will be missed by his wife, Shannon (Gleason) Shepard, whom he married Aug. 20, 1970, in Coloma; his son, Kurt (Patricia) Shepard; his grandchildren, Steven (Jessica) Shepard, Haylei Shepard, Raven Gross, and Bill Shepard; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-nieces; and his siblings-in-law, Sheila (Ernie) Albright, and Bernie (Marilyn) Gleason.

 He is preceded in death by his great grandchild, Madison; his brother, Joe (the late Scarlett) Shepard; his nephew, Curtis; his niece, Jessica; and his parents.