David L. Shepardson

ATHOL- David was born the son of Henry W. Shepardson and Pauline V. Barrett, of Orange, MA at Heywood Hospital in Gardner MA on August 20, 1937. David attended schools in Orange, MA and  graduated from New Salem Academy, shortly after enlisted in the U.S. Navy and complete basic training at Bainbridge, MD, David then reported to the Great Lakes Navel Training Center where he graduated from Machinist Mate "A" School from which he reported to his first ship, the U.S.S. Talbot County LST-1153 at Little Creek, VA. While aboard the Talbot County, LST-1153 David maintained and operated the Main Engines, the ships small machine shop and after graduating from Air Conditioning and Refrigeration School the ships refrigeration and other equipment.

After a tour of shore duty at the Navel Air Station at Memphis, TN, where he served in several duties: Driver Training Instructor, Petty Officer section leader to the Base Security/Police and as Assistant Brig Warden, upon transfer, reported for duty aboard the USS Nantahala AO-60 at Norfolk, VA, he also served aboard the USS Chukawan AO-100 and later aboard the USS Waccamaw AO-109, (Fleet Oilers). David while in the Navy visited many places along the East Coast the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, he received several medals and citations, took part in two expeditions, one being operation Blue Bot. and the other, the Cuban Missile Blockade. David was honorably discharged as a Machinist Mate First Class (PO-E6)

Upon returning to Massachusetts, David worked briefly at Rodney Hunt Co., in Orange, MA, then for 18 years at the former Union Twist Drill, in Athol, MA in the Lathe Department as an all around lathe operator and in the machine shop as a scraper hand, reconditioning and rebuilding shop machinery, upon the closing of the factory he became the Athol Dog Officer and upon completion of a course at Mt. Ida College became the towns first Certified Animal Control Officer. David also held town positions of maintenance at the Athol Public Library, was the Town Parking Clerk and Parking Meter Maintenance.

David was predeceased by his first wife Myrna L. South, he leaves their son W. Raymond Shepardson of TN. He was also pre deceased by his second wife, Judith Adams, he leaves their three children, Lynn M. Haines and her husband Tim, and Karen L. Shepardson, both from Orange, MA , Cynthia R. Newsham and her husband Stephen, of Fitchburg , Ma. He was predeceased by his brother Michael H. Shepardson. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sister Beverly A. Blood and her husband Raymond of FL. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping and was a great supporter of the Constitution, particularly the 2nd Amendment.

There are no calling hours.

A funeral service with military honors will be held on November 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery chapel, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

Donations in David’s memory are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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