NATCHITOCHES, LA
Aug. 25-1927-Oct. 28, 2020
Warren Ronald Shepherd, 93, passed away peacefully in Natchitoches Oct. 28, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 1 from 4-7 p.m. at Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home. Funeral services and entombment adjacent to his wife will take place in Bakersfield, Calif.
Mr. Shepherd was born Aug. 25, 1927, in Taft, Calif., to Les and Helene Shepherd. He grew up in Bakersfield and volunteered to enlist in the Marines following high school graduation in 1945. 
After the war, he attended Bakersfield College and worked as a roughneck for local oil companies during the summer months. He transferred to the University of California at Berkley and graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1952. His 37-year career began with Union Oil Company of California where he worked his way from petroleum engineer to various managerial positions in Houma, New Orleans, Houston and Los Angeles.
While home from college in 1952 he met the love of his life, Jean Thurston, and after a six month courtship they married in 1953. They were married 53 wonderful years and had three children. He was a devoted husband who often bought flowers and gifts for his wife “just because.” As his father before him, he was caring, honest and hardworking and passed these virtues to his children. He was a generous and kindhearted grandfather and great-grandfather and was often sought out by his first great-grandson, John, to help him build Lincoln Logs together. Watching all of his great-grandchildren play brought him much happiness. He was an American history enthusiast and long-time supporter of battlefield preservation through the American Battlefield Trust.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; youngest son, Brad; two sisters; two nieces; one nephew; and his parents.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Cheryl Rambin and husband Jim of Robeline; son, Steven Shepherd of Sequim, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Dixie Beene Shepherd of Gurdon, Ark.; grandchildren, Jennifer Rambin Laws and husband John of Port Allen, Patrick Rambin and wife Jill of Greenwell Springs, Christina and Laura Shepherd of Gurdon, Steven and Daniel Shepherd of Racine, Wis.; great-grandchildren, John Laws IV, Andrew and Brice Laws, Phoenix and Zella Rambin, and Bella Tarleton; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to all his local doctors and the staff of Natchitoches Community Care Center. Special thanks to all the sitters and caregivers for their care and concern.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society or the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.