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of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of West Farmington, Ohio and Detroit, age 78, died unexpectedly  Saturday, February 1, 2020 at his home. He was born August 24, 1941 in Warren, Ohio, the son of Robert “Leonard” & Velma (Rathburn) Shepherd. Bob is survived by his wife, of 59 years, Karen Rose Shepherd, daughter Kelly Carvalho of Clarkston MI, daughter Kayla Shepherd of Chelsea MI, sister Lesta Lynch of TX, Son in Law and “Best Friend” Jack Carvalho, granddaughter Ashtyn Rose, and grandson Camryn Robert Carvalho. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Ken Love.

   Bob graduated from W Farmington Ohio High School in 1961. In that same year Bob married High School Sweetheart Karen Rose McIntosh of West Farmington, OH. Soon after Bob moved to Detroit Mi and commenced his Lineman Apprenticeship.  In 1965, Bob began his electrical career as a lifelong proud IBEW member working for Harlan Electrical Construction of Southfield, MI. In 1969, Bob embarked on a 23-year journey working for the City of Detroit Public Lighting Commission. August 9, 1992 echoed in the next phase of Bob’s professional career working as Superintendent of Chelsea Electric until his retirement in January 2003. Chelsea’s “Robert G Shepherd – Substation”, commemorates Bob’s service and dedication to the community in which he lived, worked, and grew to love.

   DIY was engrained in Bob’s DNA. An automobile enthusiast, Bob learned welding and autobody repair as a “Buck-Eye” teenager and was proud of his classic Packard and personally restored Ford Edsel.

   A former member of the Detroit Free Methodist Church, Bob relished muskie fishing with his grandson on Lake St Claire and Canadian Bush Plane Fly-In fishing. Bob played the French Horn, acoustic guitar, and recently began playing the electric bass guitar.

   Bob was a kind friend to all animals, Memorial contributions may be made to the Sasha Farm Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals, PO Box 222, Manchester, MI USA 48158 – ph:734.428.9617 (https://www.sashafarm.org/about-us/)   

   Funeral services will be held Friday, February 7, 1:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea,  with Jack Carvalho officiating.  The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 & 6-9 pm and Friday from noon-1:00 pm. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, West Farmington, OH.