Robert Leo Shepherd

Robert Leo Shepherd, of Sheridan, Arkansas, was born on November 9, 1940, in Sheridan, the son of the late Ersel and Pauline Hamner Shepherd. He graduated in 1959 from Sheridan High School. Robert spent his life serving the people of Grant County. From 1969 to 1979, he served as both the county's assessor and treasurer. Robert spent his following ten years serving as sheriff. In 1989, he was appointed, by then Governor Bill Clinton, the first Arkansas State Drug Director. After retiring for the first time, he returned to work and filled the position of Grant County 911 Coordinator. During this time, he was instrumental in the development and implementation of the current Grant County 911 system. After serving in this office, once again he retired. He then returned to the sheriff's office serving two additional terms from 2005 to 2006 and 2009 to 2010. Robert was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling and riding his trike with his wife, Linda. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Sheridan, the Sheridan Golf Club, Sheridan Men's Golf Association and Sheridan Senior Golfers. Robert Shepherd died Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock, at the age of 73. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Shepherd and a brother, Jack McCool. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Linda Ann Whitmire Shepherd; son, Shannon Shepherd; twin brother, Johnny Shepherd and wife Luvonia, all of Sheridan; sister, Sue Atkinson of Bakersfield, California; grandchildren, Shanna Hurst and husband Camron of Prattsville, Samuel Shepherd and wife Rachel of Sheridan and Jonathan Shepherd of Sheridan; great-grandchildren, Camden and Wriley Hurst of Prattsville and very special people, Kelli and Blaine; along with a host of other family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Sheridan, with Bro. Arlis East and Bro. Ernest Desoto officiating. Burial will be in Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Sheriff's Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, Arkansas 72503. Pallbearers will be Lt. Ron Casey, Cpl. Zach Owens, and Cpl. Ryan Jacks, officers from the Arkansas State Police; Sheriff Pete Roberts, Sgt. Chris Palmer, and Dep. Casey Autrey, officers from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. These officers served alongside Robert during his time at the Grant County Sheriff's Department. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Grant County Sheriff's Department, as well as the Sheridan Senior Golfers. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook: www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.