Millard C "Bud" Shepherd went to his heavenly home on Saturday May 1, 2021 with his loving wife Vonda and family and friends at his side. The son of Herbert and Mable Fiant Shepherd, Bud was born on October 3, 1936 in Cleveland, OK. He graduated from Noble High School and then went into the United States Marine Corp serving his country during the Korean war and attended Oklahoma State University. In 1960, Bud married the love of his life, Vonda Brown on May 27 and they would have celebrated 61 years together this year.

Bud had a servant's heart, he served on the Slaughterville Fire Department from 1977-2002, and was Chief from 1979-2002. Even after retiring, he continued to give of his time and knowledge to the department until his passing. He was president of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association and served on many committees for the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association for over the years. He retired 3 times, first from the Federal Aviation Administration after 36years, from Slaughterville Fire Department after 22 years, and from working as an oil field pumper with Don Kirby for many years. He and Don also built metal buildings for some time. He taught fire training to firefighters across the state through OSU. Bud was knowledgeable in many trades and was always willing to lend a helping hand to any of his friends that called on him. He would usually tell them over the phone what they needed to know but always followed up by telling Vonda he better run over and see if they needed a hand.

Bud fell in ill with kidney cancer in 2015 and while in surgery, suffered a stroke that took his eyesight but it did not take his determination to continue living life to the fullest. With the help of New View and their wonderful staff he was able to make the best of his situation and continue to help himself and do many small jobs around the house including electrical work with Vonda, fixing broken things, and still loved to help friends when they called needing advice on the next step in a project. Although he could not see, he never gave up, and he wants his friends to know that even if you have a disability do not give up but keep on trucking!

Bud is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Mable Fiant Shepherd, sister Fern Woodring, and brother Howard Shepherd, and an uncle Millard Fiant of whom he was named after. He is survived by his loving wife and childhood friend Vonda Brown Shepherd of the home in Noble, sister Fay Sherbon of Norman, niece Marilyn Miles of San Diego, CA. Nephews Bobby Woodring and wife Deloris of Moore, Scott Shepherd and wife Mary of Maine, Tim Sherbon and wife Kim of Norman, James Sherbon and wife Chelle of Norman, and many great nephews and their wives as well as a large host of friends. He is also survived by his buddy, companion, and faithful watchdog Sasha.

No biological children were born to Bud and Vonda but a very special little girl became theirs at the age of 3. They could not adopt her because she had loving parents be she has always called them her second parents. Lori Houck Runge and her husband Tom of Noble, and they blessed them with two special grandchildren. Kelea Marie Runge and Rylee Arron Shepherd Runge, are the light of Bud and Vonda's family along with a precious great granddaughter Jaylyn Runge Smith.

Carrying Bud to his final earthly resting place will be pallbearers Don Kirby, Donnie Kirby, Tom Runge, David Thompson, Dana Cramer, and TJ Blair.

Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Smith, Gene Smith, Bruce Byers, Jack Philpot, Jim Miller, and The Members of the Slaughterville Fire Department.

Services will be held 11:00 am on Friday May 7th at Maguire Baptist Church in Noble. Visitation will be Thursday May 6 from 5:00-7:00 at McMahans Funeral Home in Noble. Interment will be at the Fairview Maguire Cemetery in Noble, OK. with Honors by the United States Marines.