Rolland E. "Gene" Shepard, age 84 of Elwood, died Sunday, May 20, 2012 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born August 17, 1927 in Atlanta, Indiana - the son of Vernon and Mary (Crull) Shepard. He worked at Ex-Cello Corporation in Elwood (later Airfoil Textron) for over 25 years. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps just after W.W. II. He married Doris M. Barber on January 21, 1974. Gene was an avid supporter and donor to the Elwood Rescue Mission. He was a radio operator and amateur surveillance enthusiast, and was a member of an Amateur Radio Club in Madison County. Gene was a former member of the Elwood Rotary Club and a member of the Archeological Society. He was an avid animal lover; a devoted Christian; and loved reading his bible and studying religion.

Survivors include: Wife of 38 years, Doris M. (Barber) Shepard of Elwood; 4 Brothers, Tom Shepard of Elwood, Arnold (wife Diane) Shepard of Frankton, Chuck (wife Jean) Shepard of Elwood, and Dave Shepard of Anderson; 3 Sisters, Roberta (husband Phil) Roe of Tipton, Carolyn Coffee of Lafayette, and Irene McClure of Tennessee; 2 Sisters-In-Law, Mary Lou Shepard of Kokomo, and Dorothy Shepard of Atlanta; Several Nieces and Nephews including, Rod (wife Mindy) Shepard of Kokomo, Ronnie Joe (wife Vicki) Shepard of Kokomo, Rick (wife Sandy) Shepard of Young America, Carol (husband Jeff) Dautrich of Atlanta, Debra Cornwell of Elwood, Terri (husband Larry) Jones of Atlanta, Billy McClure of Tennessee, and Susan Buttrey of Tennessee; and his beloved dog, "Lilly".

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Harold Shepard and Bus Shepard; and a sister, Lavaun Shepard.

A private visitation and funeral service will be held at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of the East Main Street Christian officiating. Burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by the Elwood V.F.W. honor guard. Memorial contributions are requested to the Elwood Rescue Mission through the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Online condolences for the Shepard family may be made at: www.copherfeslermay.com.