Oct. 19, 1946-May 28, 2024
Neal Dwight Shepherd, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He was born on Oct. 19, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, to Kenneth Lee Shepherd and Doris Lucille Schmitz and was the youngest of three boys. Although born in Denver, Neal primarily grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he attended Skyline High School. After graduation from high school, Neal moved to St. George and attended Dixie Junior College, where he met his sweetheart and the love of his life Cynthia Cox. Neal and Cynthia were married on Aug. 29, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and were later sealed in the St. George, Utah LDS Temple. Neal went on to complete his collegiate academics and receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Southern Utah State College in Cedar City.
Neal and his family lived in both Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah. His first job was as an officer for the Utah Highway Patrol in St. George. Leaving the UHP, Neal moved to Salt Lake City with his family to work as an automotive sales representative for the Kenneth L. Shepherd Company. Neal would ultimately return with his family to St. George where he began and ran a trucking company for many years. Neal finished his career as a Commercial Driver’s License instructor and professor at Dixie Applied Technical College where he taught diesel mechanics and served as a mentor for students and administrators alike. Neal’s favorite pastime was collecting rare, vintage automobiles. He loved to work on cars and would often take his grandsons to his auto shop located in La Verkin, sharing his passion for cars, and teaching his grandsons this trade. Neal will always be remembered for his quick-witted humor and fun-loving attitude. He cared for all and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.
Neal is survived by his wife of 57 years Cynthia Shepherd, two daughters Kimberly Shepherd and Whitney (Matt) Yardley, and five grandchildren Mackenzy Chapman, Hunter Peck, Mackay Yardley, Isaac Yardley and Chase Yardley.
There will be a viewing at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, Utah on Friday, May 31, from 5-7 p.m., and again Saturday, June 1, from :-10 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. also at Spilsbury Mortuary.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the livestream link.
Interment will immediately follow the funeral services at the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, Utah.
The Family of Neal Shepherd extends their sincere gratitude to the 3rd floor nurses of the St. George Regional Hospital, Alliance Home Health, Dixie Hospice and Dr. Curtis Carter for their genuine kindness and compassion during the last several weeks of Neal’s life.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Neal’s online guest book.