Warren (Chuck) Shepard
courtesy photo
Warren (Chuck) Shepard
FRENCHTOWN - Warren Charles Shepard “Chuck” passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Sept. 15, 2024.
Chuck was born Nov. 27, 1942, in Ronan. His lifelong passion for farming and ranching was cultivated while growing up on the family farm. Years after leaving the farm, Chuck could be found on the tractor mowing the field with his infectious smile we will all so fondly remember him by.
Chuck relocated to the Frenchtown Valley and with his first wife, Joyce, had four children: Chuck “Jr.”, Craig, Carrie, and Megan.
In the early 70s, Chuck and partner, Stan Watkins, established Watkins Shepard Trucking. With humble beginnings, they hauled beer west to Washington and apples back into Montana. At the time Chuck retired in the late 90s, they had grown the fleet to over 700 trucks with multiple terminals around the country.
In the late 90s Chuck met the love of his life, Donna Patinella. Together they enjoyed nearly 30 years of fishing, hunting, traveling, boating on Flathead Lake, and entertaining family and friends.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Donna Patinella; father-in-law, Richard Dumaine; daughter, Megan Shepard, son, Chuck “Jr.” (Becky) Shepard and son, Jay Goemmer; grandchildren, Carson Shepard, Lindsey (Rand) Pritzkau, Levi Shepard, and Hailey Shepard; great-grandson, Rhett Pritzkau, and his loyal companion Shelby.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father, Charles Shepard; daughter, Carrie Shepard; son, Craig Shepard; and mother-in-law, Lucia Dumaine.
A celebration of life will be held at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Oct. 2, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to share their fondest memories while we celebrate our beloved Chuck.
