ROBERT L. "BOB" SHEPHERD Robert L. "Bob" Shepherd, 91, of Bethesda, Ohio, died peacefully on August 31, 2015, at Glenwood Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Dublin, Ohio, surrounded by his family. He was born July 5, 1924 in Bethesda, Ohio, son of the late Lowell H. Shepherd and Marguerite Zellers Shepherd. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, D. Joan Shepherd in 2009. Bob was a decorated World War II Veteran, having received numerous awards for heroism and bravery during the war, including the Purple Heart. He was a member of Bethesda-Belmont-Morristown Rotary Club, an active member of Bethesda Methodist Church, supporter of the Barnesville Hospital, and a member of the Bethesda Masonic Lodge. Bob and his wife Joan were active supporters within the communities of Bethesda and Barnesville and their contributions have greatly benefited the local school systems, fire, and police departments. Bob was also an avid golfer and along with Joan, traveled the world. Bob called himself a farmer at heart, but he was a true entrepreneur and created many successful business ventures during his lifetime. In 1952, Bob, Joan, and their two children, Mike and Linda, moved into the farm that they have called home for 63 years. Early on, the family started to grow and sell tress on the property and eventually created The Shepherd Christmas Tree Farm. The farm was also utilized as a boarding facility for thoroughbred racehorses that arrived from every state in the U.S., including Puerto Rico; most running at Waterford Park, Wheeling Downs Race Track, Churchill Downs, and Keenland. Also during this time, the family managed cattle and raised and showed horses. The car business soon beckoned and in the late 1950's, Bob purchased his first car dealership in downtown Bethesda, Shepherd Chevrolet. In 1965, Bob along with Joan and their children, founded Bob's Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Buick in Barnesville, Ohio. Bob not only saw a need for this type of business in the area, but wanted to also give back to the local economy by providing jobs and supporting local community organizations and events through the dealership. Bob's Chevrolet was awarded numerous accolades by General Motors for excellence in sales and service during its entire run. Bob was extremely proud of the dealership, but was even more proud of the employees, who helped accomplish these levels of excellence, he considered them part of his family. Bob is survived by his son, Robert Michael (Jeannie) Shepherd of Barnesville, Ohio; daughter, Linda (Tom) Tacosik of Powell, Ohio; grandchildren, Jay Shepherd (Kenneth Lee) of Los Angeles, California, Jan Shepherd (Curtis Caldwell) of Cape Coral, Florida, Corey (Lisa) Tacosik of Dublin, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Nathan Robert and Lauren Taylor Tacosik of Dublin, Ohio; brother, William Shepherd of North Canton, Ohio; uncle, Keith (Ruth) Zellers of Barnesville, Ohio. Bob is also survived by a loving list of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family and friends will be received, Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m., Kelly Kemp Braido Patron Funeral Homes & Crematory, 322 N. Main Street, Bethesda, Ohio and Friday, September 4, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the time of service beginning at 11 a.m., Bethesda Methodist Church, Bethesda, Ohio. Reverend John Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery, Bethesda, Ohio. A Masonic Service will be conducted, Thursday 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to: Bethesda United Methodist Church, Barnesville Hospital, Glenwood Alzheimer's Special Care Center, 6355 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, Ohio 43016, Tridia Hospice, 22415 Citygate Drive, Suite E, Columbus, Ohio 43219, or to the donor's favorite charity. To leave a special message for Bob's family, please visit: