Anthony W. Shepherd

Anthony W. Shepherd, known affectionately as Tony to his friends and family, left this world on March 8, 2024 after a courageous battle with lymphoma cancer. Born on August 14, 1965 in Sidney, OH, Tony's vibrant spirit, infectious laughter and love for the Lord left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Tony graduated from Topeka High School. His professional journey was diverse and impactful, beginning with roles at Columbian Securities, the Youth Center at Topeka, Coffee USA and owning his own lawn care business Green Thumb Lawn Care. Tony's passion for mechanics and problem-solving led him to his calling at local pet food companies where he mastered various extrusion systems, working at Hill's Pet Nutrition, Thompson's Pet Pasta Products and Del Monte.

In 2000 he joined the Carpenter/Millwright Union, working at Marley Cooling Tower at Jeffrey Energy Center and Senne Construction. Through the Carpenter/Millwright Apprenticeship Program he became a journeyman carpenter and millwright. In 2004, Tony's career took a significant turn as he was chosen to lead a team of millwrights onsite at the Del Monte Plant. His tenure there was marked by success, and he often collaborated with plant engineers on extrusion designs. After a long stint as a millwright general foreman, in 2020 Tony assumed the role of Director of Maintenance at Crosswind Industries, an ADM company, where his leadership brought about production improvements for the plant.

Tony's ingenuity was not limited to his professional life; he was also a self-taught gun maker and repairer. He enjoyed teaching this activity to his son Luke and spending time with him at the local shooting range. Tony enjoyed fixing things and tinkering with things to find ways to make them work better. His carpentry skills were a testament to his craftsmanship, culminating in the construction of the family's dream home in 2004—a proud accomplishment rivaled only by the joy he found in his family and his love for Christ.

Tony was a sports enthusiast and over his lifetime indulged in various activities including power-lifting weights, professional bodybuilding, golfing, fishing, and bird hunting. His passion for sports was not just limited to participation; he was an avid fan of the NFL and college basketball. Tony's competitive spirit was evident in his days as a tough man competitor and amateur boxer, earning the nickname "Showtime Shepherd." As a young adult he even pursued opportunities to play for the Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his dedication and love for football. One of Tony's most cherished roles was that of mentor and trainer to his son Connor in kickboxing and MMA. Taking the stage name "Showtime," Connor's success was a profound source of pride for Tony, especially witnessing a unanimous decision victory with Tony in his corner for Connor's last kickboxing fight on February 10, 2024.

Survived by his loving wife, Leisa Shepherd; sons Brandon Shepherd (wife Sara) and their daughter Haven, Connor Shepherd (wife Hailey) and their children Jaxon and Wrenlee, and Luke Shepherd; sister Nina Taylor; and brothers Billy Shepherd and Mike Shepherd, Tony was a beacon of love and humor in their lives. His parents, Bill and Marilyn, and brother Tom Shepherd, preceded him in death.

Those who knew Tony will remember him as a funny, loving, and friendly man. His ability to light up a room with his obnoxiously loud laugh, humor and booming voice was and is irreplaceable. A devoted family man, Tony's greatest joy was his children and grandchildren, whose lives he enriched with boundless love and laughter. Tony Shepherd's legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, kindness and is a testament of a life well-lived. His memory will continue to inspire and comfort his family, many friends and others who were fortunate enough to have been a part of his remarkable chapter here on Earth. His next chapter continues with the Lord in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life service will begin at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lighthouse Bible Church, 4110 NW 62nd Street, Suite B, Topeka, KS 66618.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Tony's memory may be made to Lighthouse Bible Church.