Howard Claxton Shepard, of Fayetteville, Georgia, formerly of Hapeville and East Point, passed away in the early morning hours of October 26, 2008 at the age of 86. Mr. Shepard was the son of the late George Eber Shepard and Ruby Claxton. He was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Lexington. In the fall of 1941, the Lexington sailed with the battle force to the Hawaiian Islands for tactical exercises. On December 7, 1941, it was at sea with Task Force 12, carrying marine aircraft from Pearl Harbor to reinforce Midway when word of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was received. They immediately launched search planes to hunt for the Japanese fleet, and at midmorning headed south to conduct a search southwest of Oahu before returning to Pearl Harbor on December 13th. The Lexington sailed the next day to raid Japanese forces on Jaluit to relieve pressure on Wake Island; these orders were canceled on December 20, and she was directed to cover the Saratoga force in reinforcing Wake. When the island fell on December 23rd, the two carrier forces were recalled to Pearl Harbor, arriving on the 27th. It was during Mr. Shepard's naval career that he met the love of his life; when he asked a young Gertrude Wendling to skate with him. Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, he joined C&S Airlines in Memphis as a mechanic. When the airline merged with Delta, he and his new family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he became one of the best sheet metal mechanics to work on the Delta Fleet. Mr. Shepard was a long time member of the Fayette Presbyterian Church where he proudly sang bass in the choir of many years. He will always be remembered for his peaceful demeanor, and willingness to serve and help others.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Gertrude W. Shepard, of Fayetteville; two sons; granddaughter of Gainesville; and sister.

Funeral services held on October 29 at the Fayette Presbyterian Church with Reverend John J. Skelly officiating. Interment at Westminster Memorial Gardens. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville in charge of arrangements.