Francis F. Sheppard

Francis F. Sheppard, 94, Pinkerton Road, Zanesville, passed away and went to heaven at 5:35 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2009 with his loving and devoted family by his side. Francis was born January 25, 1915, to the late Ella Stiers Sheppard and Harry Sheppard. Francis grew up in the Zanesville area, and then stayed in the area to raise his family. He was veteran of the U.S Army and served in WWII, and he farmed his own land for many years. He was also employed by Hazel Atlas Glass Company, Commercial Motor Freight, and Zanesville City Schools. Francis was a lifelong member of South Zanesville Church of the Nazarene where his loyal church family and friends loved and supported him on his journey to be with the Lord. Francis is survived by six children; Paul (Martha) Sheppard of Macks Creek, MO., and Joy (Dave) Shaeffer, Judy Gadd, Jim (Theresa) Sheppard, Dave (Peggy) Sheppard, and Jon (Cindy) Sheppard, all of Zanesville; two sisters, Jean Freisinger of Zanesville and Rita Hartmeyer of Tulsa, OK.; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and special neighbors and friends, Martha Greiner and Ruth Russell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving and beautiful wife, Anne E. (Milligan) Sheppard, whom he married June 7, 1941, and with whom he couldn't wait to reunite with in heaven; a great- granddaughter, Kaycee Slavens; a son- in law, Del T. Gadd; and siblings, Robert Sheppard, Teresa Licklider, Virginia Synan, and Betty Utsler. Calling hours will be held from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, December 20, 2009 at the Bolin- Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m Monday, December 21, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor Walter Gessner and Rev. Mark Fulkerson officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. VFW George Selsam Post #1058 will hold full military rites at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Francis and Anne to the South Zanesville Church of the Nazarene Sunday School Program, 3095 Maysville Pike, South Zanesville, Ohio, 43701, where Anne was a Sunday School teacher for many years.