Michael David "Papa" Shepherd, 71, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Mike was born in Waterloo, IA to the late, Maxwell and Dixie Lou (Bectel) Shepherd on August 11, 1949. He married the love of his life, Edith (Wade) on Dec. 21, 1967 in California.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bobby and Larry; and sister Nancy.

Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Edith Shepherd of Elkhart; children, Michael Shepherd, Jr. (Sylvia), Dustin (Heather) Shepherd and Shanlee (Brian) Woods; grandchildren, Zachary (Michelle), Hannah, Baliegh, Brycen, Savannah, Roberto, Maria, Justa and Jack; and sisters, Kathy Castillo (Doug) and Debbie (Jack) Cale; and mother of his grandchildren, Elizabeth.

Mike honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He was a railroad worker at Conrail and delivery driver in the R.V. industry. Mike was a member of the Osceola American Legion Post 308 and supporter of P.O.W.'s. He was a big fan of Blues music especially 88.1 FM. He enjoyed riding on his Harley and participating on the MDA Runs every year. Mike enjoyed playing golf and recently disc golf as well as watching tv westerns. He was an avid Nascar, Indianapolis Colts and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. Most of all, he loved his family and adored his grandchildren.

Mike was "Old School" and he believed in treating people well and extending generosity to those in need.

A Funeral Service for Mike will be held at 12:00 pm noon on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to       12:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Collier officiating. Burial with military honors from Osceola American Legion Post 308 will follow at Rice Cemetery.

The family encourages attendants to "come as you are" as Mike would want you to be comfortable.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family.

For those that wish to share a memory, send a condolence or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com