March 21, 1928 – April 19, 2025

John Morgan Shepherd of Battlement Mesa, CO, peacefully passed away of natural causes in Rifle, CO on April 19, 2025 at age 97.

John was born March 21, 1928, in Craig, Colorado. He attended the University of Colorado graduating in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict until 1953 when he was honorably discharged. He received the Distinguished Service Award and Combat Infantry Badge.

John had an amazing career of 32 years at AT&T/Mountain Bell Telephone starting in February, 1953. In 1969, AT&T transferred John to the NYC corporate HQ to help implement nationwide the newly announced emergency phone number “911”. In 1973 he transferred back to Denver, CO and was charged with the planning and implementation of the Mountain Bell Training Center in Lakewood, CO.

After retirement in November, 1985, John joined H&R Block as a tax preparer and managed offices in Southwestern CO. In 1997, John and his wife, Elaine, moved to Battlement Mesa, CO. John retired from H&R Block after several years, however, he continued as a tax preparer.

John was active in the Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club as Treasurer and served as Secretary/Treasurer of Battlement Mesa Service Association.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Elaine Robertson Shepherd, as well as his brothers Jim, Bob, and Albert Shepherd.

He is survived by nephews and nieces including Steve Shepherd (Los Altos, CA), Jackie Todd, Shelly Hoey, Christine Shepherd, Claudia Fountain, Marty Shepherd, and Jay Shepherd (all of Colorado), and Shawn Shepherd (Port Orchard, WA), and many dear friends, including Kathie and Dean Harris (Parachute, CO).

John was a devoted member of the All Saints Episcopal Church. A Funeral service will be celebrated at All Saints Episcopal, 150 Sipprelle Dr., Parachute, CO., on Saturday, May 17, at 11 am.

A graveside service will be held on June 7, 2025 at 1 pm with his remains interred at the Craig Memorial Cemetery, Military Section, in Craig, CO.