Luther "Bill" Shepard

Luther “Bill” Shepard, 84 of Auburn passed away on January 30, 2025, at home.

Bill was born to Luther and Freda (Kromer) Shepard in Auburn on June 19th, 1940.  He attended school in Auburn.  He served in the US Army on the Rifle Team from 1963 to 1965 and was honorably discharged. 

Bill worked for Local Union 1249 as a High-Power Journeyman Lineman for many years.  He owned and operated the Islander Lounge in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He also owned numerous rental properties in Auburn, NY. 

Bill loved his home on Owasco Lake, where he enjoyed growing tomatoes and garlic in his garden, cooking, and sharing recipes with his daughter Landy.  He loved fishing on Lake Ontario with his sons, Bill and Tyler, and teaching his grandkids how to fish on Owasco Lake.  He also loved to turkey and deer hunt at the farm in DeRuyter with his boys. He enjoyed taking rides to Barb’s Diner with his wife Kitty and playing pitch with his Grandboys.  Most important to Bill were family gatherings and cookouts, where he enjoyed a Budweiser and Manhattan and sharing stories with everyone. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Kitty, of almost 50 years; three children, Bill (Lauren) Shepard of Canastota, NY, Landy (Scott) Elkovitch of Victor, NY, and Tyler (Leigh) Shepard of Lake George, NY; eight grandkids, Trystan, Colton, Blake Shepard of Lake George, Weston, Will, Wyatt Elkovitch of Victor, Connor and Claire Shepard of Canastota.   He is also survived by his two brothers; Jim (Dorothy) Shepard of Cape Cod, Bob (Marilyn) Shepard of Auburn; sisters-in-law, Mary (Ralph) Harris of Florida and Anne Weidman of Colorado, several nieces and nephews and many close friends.  He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Marg DePalma; brother-in-law, Buzzy Weidman; and niece, Grace Haynes. 

A private family gathering was previously held.  A Celebration of Life will be held in May with family and friends.  

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York and of The Finger Lakes, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.

Arrangements are with White Chapel Funeral Home Inc. Auburn 

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