Obituary for Roger Dale Shepherd, Sr.

On December 1, 2025, the world lost Roger Dale Shepherd, Sr., a steady, gentle, and devoted soul whose quiet strength, warm heart, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew him.

Roger was born on March 5, 1938, in Greenup, Kentucky, to Silas and Fannie Shepherd. Growing up as one of many siblings in a large family and helping on the family and local farms, he developed the strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and care for others that defined his life.

In 1962, Roger married the love of his life, Kandy (Powell) Shepherd. They filled their home with music, playing guitar with Kandy singing. Together they built a beautiful life full of cherished pets and a family of five children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Roger spent his life working as an electrician — or, as he playfully called himself, a “high-tech electronic engineer.” He lent his talents to many places over the years, retiring from Dana Corporation in 2005. He had the remarkable gift of being able to fix anything — from appliances and electronics to cars and furniture — and his hands were always creating, improving, and problem-solving.

You would often find him sitting on the porch of his country home, marveling at the sunrise, listening to birdsong, and saying
his prayers to the Lord.

Roger loved music, playing guitar and banjo, and listening to classic country music, continuing to strum into his last days. His inquisitiveness never faded: he and Kandy enjoyed online word games, and he delighted in crossword puzzles with his daughter.

He was instantly recognized by his signature look: cowboy boots, silver-white hair, a full beard, and the family’s only pair of bright blue eyes. Roger worked tirelessly to give his family everything they needed.

His love for his children was constant and protective, instilling in them the same curiosity and capability that defined his life.

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kandy; his son, Roger Jr.; his parents, Silas and Fannie Shepherd; and all of his siblings, John Henry, Myrtle, Goldie, Sylvia, Howard, Franklin, Marjorie, Constance, and one brother whose name is unknown.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Diana) Shepherd, Varian Shepherd, LeeAnna (Kevin Johnson) Shepherd, and Jared (Miranda) Shepherd; his cherished grandchildren, Benjamin Shepherd, Devin (Matthew) Wallace, Aaron (Abagail) Shepherd, Elijah Shepherd, Ethan Shepherd, Chanelle Shepherd, Reagan Shepherd, and Hudson Shepherd; and his great-grandchildren, Emmett Shepherd, Negan Shepherd, and Éowyn Shepherd.

Roger’s life was one of devotion — to his family, to his work, to the simple joys of fixing and building, and to the animals and hobbies he loved. His steady presence, wise mind, and tender heart will be profoundly missed. Those who loved him take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with Kandy, the love of his life, and that their music plays on.

Funeral services for Roger will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton with Pastor Anthony Lampron officiating. Burial will follow at Dunkirk Cemetery. Friends and family may visit 1 hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.