Gary William Shepherd, 79, of Blairsville, PA (Burrell Township), passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Born May 7, 1947, in Latrobe, he was the son of the late Charles R. and Sylvia T. (Ramsden) Shepherd.

Gary was a 1965 graduate of Blairsville High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and later worked for 19 years at McJunkin Appalachian until his retirement.

A dedicated member of Blairsville BPOE #406, Gary served as Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and Past Exalted Ruler. He was also a co-organizer of the Elks Hoop Shoot program for more than 20 years, helping support and encourage local youth through the organization.

Gary was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who also enjoyed auto racing and golfing.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean (Loring) Shepherd, whom he married on October 12, 1973; his brother, Terry Shepherd of Blairsville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty D. Newell, in 2005.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, May 28, from 6 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7 p.m. at Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut Street, Blairsville, PA with Pastor Robert Penrose officiating.

Interment will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA.

Blairsville BPOE #406 will conduct services at the funeral home on Thursday, May 28th.

Gary appreciated the love and support shown to him by family and friends who assisted him throughout the past several years. The family would especially like to acknowledge and thank Rick and Cheryl Harper, Candy and Dave Ross, Kathy and Ken Eshbaugh, Laurie and Bill Lemons, Debra and Tad LeBlanc and Tom and Mitzi Hendrickson for their assistance with his care.