Lawrence Calvin Shepard

Lawrence Calvin Shepard of Punta Gorda, FL and longtime resident of Gaines, passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, May 31, 2026. He was 98 years old.

Born March 26, 1928, in Gaines, he was the son of Dewey and Nellie (VanAuken) Shepard. Lawrence was a retired crane operator with General Motors where he worked for over 35 years. He was a member of the Gaines United Methodist Church. He was an avid golfer and cherished time spent with his family.

He is survived by his three children, Bonnie Jankowski, Fred Shepard and his wife Carshenia and Teresa Smith and her husband Bart; son in law Wayne Word; grandchildren Richard (Lori) Jankowski, Kevin (Denise) Jankowski, Stephanie Croteau, Jill (Mike) Croteau, Zack (Katie) Smith and Spencer (Amber) Smith; 16 great grandchildren; four step grandchildren, several step great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marjorie (Betterly) Shepard; daughter June Word, two brothers Dwayne and Cecil Shepard and sister Donna Witt.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 9th at 2:00pm at Gaines United Methodist Church, 117 Clinton St. Gaines. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Sharp Funeral Home, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.