Harold Shephard Obituary

Harold "H.C." Carter Shephard, 91, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his lake home on July 22, 2023. Having lived a full life, H.C. was revered and loved by many. A celebration of his life took place at The Jayhawk Club on Saturday, October 7, paying tribute to what would have been his 92nd birthday.

The son of John Wesley Sr. and Margaret (White) Shepard, H.C. is survived by his loving partner, Marla Webster and her family, former wife, Caroline Shephard, son, Harold H. Shepard, daughters, Kimberley Slan, Stefanie Shephard-Rodriguez, Eleanor Shephard, Madeleine Sinclair, Carrie Shephard, Camille Galles, brother, Stanley Leroy, sister, Virginia Ann, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Helen Shepard, daughter, Schirmer Landau, brothers, John Wesley Jr., Albert Dean, and sisters, Marjorie Mae and Linda Young.

H.C. was born on October 6, 1931. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948-1952. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and deer hunting on his beloved land, Harroline Hills Estate. Professionally, he charted a successful career as a prolific entrepreneur. In partnership with Caroline Shephard, he co-founded and led C&S Shephard Construction Inc., Harewood East Rentals, and Carrie's Frozen Custard. His construction expertise and projects significantly contributed to infrastructure throughout Lawrence and Topeka. He was a man of equal parts moxie and might. To know him was to experience his raw genius, relentless work ethic, calm in any turmoil, charismatic wit, and captivating smile. His presence and storytelling always lit up a room. There wasn't a beat he'd miss on the dance floor. To ride with him was to enjoy the best of times.

Above all, H.C. was a devoted father. He loved driving his family on cross-country road trips; the journey often as extraordinary as the destination. Within his children, he instilled his love of the outdoors, agriculture, wildlife, NFL football, boxing, and turtle sundaes. Summers were spent at the Lake of the Ozarks boating and water skiing. Winters were spent in Colorado snow skiing. His children will remember him as a self-made, incomparable role model, offering sage advice that reflected his philosophies on life and his commitment to provide. One of their favorite sayings from him: "It's hard when you're working easy, but it's easy when you're working hard."

H.C. was truly one in a million and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

"The song has ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin