Larned – John Lytle Shepherd Sr. – Following a long illness, our Heavenly Father called John Lytle Shepherd Sr., 70, home on March 31, 2016 at Diversicare of Larned.

He was born February 7, 1946, in Larned, KS., the son of Samuel Lytle and Thelma Rose (Caro) Shepherd.

John graduated from Larned High School, then moved to Denver, then to Wichita, then settled in Kansas City, Kansas for 10 years.

He was employed at Beloved Toy Factory, while employed there he met Darlene Frazier. John returned to Larned in 1975, where he and Darlene were united in marriage. He was employed by the Larned COOP, then the Larned State Hospital where he retired after 30 years of employment. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed western movies, watching reruns of Perry Mason and sometimes fishing.

John was a member of CME Escue Chapel Church where he served on the trustee and steward board and enjoyed singing with the Escue Chapel Master's Men Choir.

He is survived by his wife Darlene of 41 years, daughter, Dana Nichell (Shepherd) Patterson of Olathe, Ks, son, John Lytle Shepherd Jr. and wife Jacque of Great Bend, KS. twelve grandchildren and one great grandson. three sisters, Sammie Lea Perkins, Kitty Ann Clark, Billie Jean Broils, all of Larned. two brothers, Bruce Michael and wife Debbie Shepherd of Wichita, KS., and Tommy Eugene Shepherd of Larned, KS. and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Elizabeth Arlene Moore and Betty Lou Stubblefield. John will be missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Rev. Eddie Cottner presiding. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Beckwith Mortuary. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.