Kenneth Lindon Shepherd, age 73, went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2020.

Kenneth Lindon Shepherd is survived by his beloved wife Gayle and their children Kenneth Lindon Shepherd Jr., Kenee’ Kay Shepherd and Kyle Elliott Shepherd and grandchildren Kya Menee’ Shepherd, Kayson Eli Shepherd and Kenneth Lindon Shepherd III.  Kenneth has a daughter by a previous marriage Kymia Ferguson (Gregory) and her son Jaylen.  Kenneth is survived by his mother Lovelle Hearst and siblings.

As the Vietnam War was underway the courageous Kenneth was eager to defend and protect his nation. The government assigned Kenneth to communications and information he did not want that assignment.  He wanted to be in battle.  They assigned him communications and information because he could type 60 words per minute on the type writer.  He petitioned some high ranking official for the reassignment and they gave it to him. He went straight to Vietnam on a slow moving vessel. Kenneth completed jump school at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

From June of 1965 to June of 1966, Kenneth served with the 101^st Airborne Brigade, 501^st Signal Battalion, and the 501^st Infantry. On June 6, 1966, Kenneth entered Vietnam as a member of the 173^rd Airborne Brigade. Adorned as the “Sky Soldiers” by the Taiwanese soldiers, the 173^rd brigade was the first unit sent into War Zone D and introduced the use of small Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols.

During Kenneth’s time in Vietnam, the 173^rd Brigade received the Meritorious Unit Commendation from 1965-1967 and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm from 1965-1970. Kenneth was a highly decorated soldier himself, earning the Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device.

Kenneth returned home from Vietnam on June 9, 1967. After Vietnam, Kenneth was placed in the 82^nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Kenneth was released from active duty on April 15, 1968 and he received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army on April 11, 1971 at the age of 24.

Kenneth will forever be remembered as a beautiful man, full of life. A personality, who could delight any soul with his subtle wit. Kenneth will affectionately be remembered for his genuine smile and hearty laughter. Kenneth was captivating, intriguing, and unique to all who crossed his path. Intelligent, fun, elegant, and innovative to his family. And most importantly, loved by all.