Basil Shepard

Basil Elliot Shepard, born on December 1, 1927, in Sterling, MI, to Melvin and Lena Shepard, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2023. Basil spent all of his nearly 96 years in Michigan, living in Sterling, Clio, Hubbard Lake and finally in Lowell. On October 16, 1948, he married the love of his life, Geraldine (Koelsch), and together they built a life that would span 75 years of marriage. Basil's early career involved dairy farming and working in the saw mill. He then became a small business owner operating Shepard's Mobile Home Service until he retired in 1989. However, his heart truly belonged to the courts and fields where he played basketball and baseball. His basketball team became the Sterling Class C Tournament champions in 1946, and Basil was named MVP. His knack for a nearly un-hittable knuckleball landed him a spot in the NEM Baseball Hall of Fame. Basil was a true woodsman: he was a logger in his youth, hunted in the woods, and generally spent his free time in the woods. He especially enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren the joys of hunting and fishing. He was also an accomplished storyteller who could both entertain and teach life lessons. Basil's final years included extensive gardening, and canning tomatoes with his family. His faith was a central part of his life, and he served as a Bible teacher, church board member, and always shared his love for Jesus Christ with his family. Basil is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine; his children, Marsha McElreath (Ken), Melvin (Nancy), Gordon (Peggy), Greg, Debra Makuski (Bill), Gina Doorn (Rich), Robyn Merrow (Keith), Scott (Ana Valentina). He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Lena Shepard, and his son, David Shepard. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." We find peace knowing that Basil is now present with his Lord Jesus. There will be a memorial service in Basil's honor on November 25, 2023, at Judson Baptist Church in Prescott, MI, beginning at noon. This will be an intimate time of sharing memories of Basil's life with his family and dear friends. We invite you to share your memories and photos of Basil on this memorial page as well, which will serve as a comforting reminder of Basil's time on this earth. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Basil’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Basil Shepard, please visit our flower store.