Dennis Michael Shepard "Mike", age 74, of Jefferson, passed away on Thursday, July 13th, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. Mike was born on March 14th, 1949, in Ashtabula, OH., to parents Nelson and Edna (Everhardt) Shepard. Mike graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967 and went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy, making a career and retiring in 1987. Mike was extremely proud of his service to our country and retired as a Chief Petty Officer GSMC 1. He also had specialized training as a gas turbine engine specialist and a substance abuse counselor. Mike married Cheryl (Webb) Shepard on October 30, 1976. Together they spent 46 wonderful years with their children. After his military retirement, Mike continued to work as a Substance Abuse Counselor for The Donahoe Center, a Maintenance Supervisor for Heather Hill, and a general mechanic for Busch's and Bagley's Auto Repair. Mike enjoyed fishing, archery, bow hunting, tinkering with engines, and collecting and restoring firearms. He also loved his cats, dogs, and especially his donkey Jack. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Ann Shepard, his children; Carrie-Leigh (Herbert) Dean, and Michael John (Dawnyell) Hatchett, his grandchildren; Xani, Beck, Evelyn, and Kenny Dean, and Iain and Madelyn Hatchett; his sister, Kathy Metheney; his niece, Laurie (Mike) Gussow; nephew, Nelson Metheney; Uncle Alvin Mills; mother-in-law, Alice Webb; and sisters-in-law, Carla Webb and Cynthia (Dexter) Au; nieces, Rachel DiStasio, Sarah Lupton, and Andrea Masters; nephews, James and Gregory Christopher. Mike is also survived by his many loving great nieces and nephews. He will be missed by dear friends Jeffery Hayes and Dan Lorincz. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his cherished son, Adam James Zepernick, his niece, Michelle (Metheney) Brennan, his brother-in-law, Jack Metheney, and his father-in-law, James Webb. A Memorial Mass is schedule for Saturday, July 29th at 1pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 32 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH. Visitation will be held at the church from 12pm until the start of Mass. A luncheon will immediately follow Mass at the church for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made directly to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Mike will be laid to rest at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Mike's immediate family would like to give a special thank you to The Hospice of the Western Reserve for all of their compassion and care over the past few months. Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements, 1500 Harpersfield Rd., Geneva, OH., 44041. www.lakeeriecrematory.com , 440-361-2273.