Andrew Shepard

Andrew Shepard Battle Creek Mr. Andrew Shepard, affectionately known by his family and friends as "Andy, Shep and Showboat", 75, of Battle Creek, MI, died Wednesday, July 02, 2008 at Battle Creek VA Medical Center. He was born May 15, 1933 in Saginaw, MI the son of James, Sr. and Mary (Smith) Shepard. Andy was a graduate of Saginaw High School. He attended Michigan Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) where he played basketball. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1954 where he received a National Defense Service Medal. He played basketball with the Harlem Globe Trotters in 1956 and then Goose Tatum's All-Stars until 1968. He was employed at the Battle Creek Y-Center for 28 years until retiring in 2007. Andy is survived by Wife: Pearlie M. (Drisker) Shepard of Battle Creek, MI; Daughter: Andrea Rene Shepard-Daniels of Warren, MI; Granddaughter: Nia Rene Daniels of Warren, MI; Stepchildren: Phyllis Drisker of Elkhart, IN, Monica Maddox, Lori Brown, Lewis Drisker, Timothy Drisker and Dennis Drisker, all of Battle Creek, MI; Sister-in-law: Earlean Shepard of Saginaw, MI; 17 Stepgrandchildren; 4 Step-Great-Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his Parents; Former Wife: Rozie (Davis) Shepard; Brothers: James Jr., Herbert, Ward and MoreDell Shepard; and Stepson: Gregory Maddox. Andy enjoyed watching basketball on television and playing basketball. He was an avid sports fan. On February 3, 1998 the Battle Creek City Commission proclaimed February 5, 1998 as "Andrew Shepard Day" for his role in the history of basketball. He enjoyed people and fishing. Visitation will be held at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Friday, July 11, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. LeRoy Smith, Sr. of Unity Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery on July 14, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Memorial tributes may be made to Lifespan-Visiting Nurse Services. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145