Obituary
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1930
1950
Korean War veteran, Corporal Gerald Ivan "Bud" Shepler, 20, went missing in Korea on November 29. 1950. He was a paratrooper with U.S. Army Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airbourne Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. On that day according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, he was the lead scout on a reconnaissance patrol when they encountered an enemy ambush near Hajoyang-ri, North Korea. During the battle, an enemy mortar round reportedly exploded within ten yards of Shepler. Following the action, he could not be accounted for and the U.S. Army declared him missing in action.
Gerald was born in Union County, May 13, 1930, to Merle and Ruby Davis Shepler. He attended Union County Schools and developed an early attraction to drawing. A book of Gerald's drawings from the fifth grade shows army jeeps, airplanes and equipment. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 4, 1948 and on August 4, 1950 while on leave, he married the former Marjorie Smalley, who survives. Gerald's military decorations include the Purple Heart awarded posthumously to his family, Army Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with Bronze arrowhead device and three bronze stars, Combat Infantry Badge, and Parachutist Badge with one bronze star.
Among Gerald's survivors are his three sisters: Judith Ann Wood of the Orange community, Peggy J. Atwell of Indianapolis; Connie A. Barrett and her husband, Robert of Richmond; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by two sisters: Iona Monzelle Fisher and Patricia Rose Sizelove; and two brothers: Thomas Davis, Sr. and Robert Shepler.
Public graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Dunlapsville Cemetery, Union County, with full military honors provided by the Indiana National Guard Ceremony Unit, American Legion Post #122 and VFW Post #1472, both of Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to the Orange Christian Church, 7649 W Co Rd 400 S, Glenwood, IN, 46133. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.
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April 12, 2017
Thank you for your service, Gerald. Thought of you often over the years.
A Billingsville, Ind. grade school friend.
Edith Waddell Quinn Glenn, Ca.
March 11, 2017
Friend
RICHARD HARRIS
Thank you for your service. We were honored to have attended your funeral today. I am glad that you are finally home Sir.
March 11, 2017
Scott Medd
Welcome home Corporal Shepler. My uncle Roger Morgan is still missing in Korea. I hope that sometime soon my family can welcome him home as your family welcomes you. We honor and thank you for your sacrifice.
March 11, 2017
Sally Martin
My Dearest Judy and family, I truly understand your loss at this time. It must be just heartbreaking for all of you to lose your brother so long ago and now to grieve his loss all over again. I pray you will find comfort knowing your brother is back home with all of you now. As you move through the next few days and weeks there will be some bittersweet moments as you remember your childhood with Gerald and all these long years not knowing where he was. Each one of you will be in my prayers, not only today but for many years to come. I pray that God's love will give you the strength to move forward as you bless your family each day with your love for them.
With Kindest Regards,
Sally Martin
Casper, Wyoming
March 10, 2017
Joyce Baker
Welcome Home Gerald My grandmother Mary Shepler Walker was your Aunt. Thank You for your service. Rest in peace
March 10, 2017
Brenda Ravencraft Chandler
I didn't recognize the name, but my aunt, Barbara Ravencraft, told me that Corporal Shepler was my maternal grandmother's brother's grandson. My grandmother was Clara Isabel Davis Feller and her brother was Pharis Davis. (I believe the spelling is correct.) I am glad you were able to bring him home after so many years. May he finally rest in peace.
March 9, 2017
Tim Walker
Welcome home Gerald. Your father Merle is my Grandmother Mary Shepler Walker's brother. May you rest in peace now Budd.
March 9, 2017
David Sembach
Welcome home Corporal Shepler. You were my grandmother's brother's son. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
March 8, 2017
Patricia Atwell-Kaleel
Thank you for your service. I recognized your last name as my maternal grandmother's maiden name. Her name was Clara Bell Shepler Cregar. She was your father Merle's sister. My mother was Sylvia Sue Cregar Atwell.
March 8, 2017
MJ Bailey
Welcome home. R I P Thank you for your service.
March 7, 2017
Breanna Eklund
i never got to meet you but my granny (Judy) is your sister! thank you so much for your service Gerald <3 i will never forget you and my husband and i will finally get to meet you Saturday. Love, Breanna Eklund (Wood)
March 6, 2017
Louanna,Larry Booth
Thank you for serving our country and welcome home for your final resting place at the Dunlpasville Cemetery.
and all the family members, Judy, Ron, and Paggy Atwell, Connie Barrett. and to all the family members. Rest in Peace. It's been a long journey.
Larry and Louanna Booth and
Dulapsville Cemetery Assocation members
March 5, 2017
Welcome home Corporal Gerald Ivan Shepler, thank you for your service and your sacrifice for your country, GOD BLESS YOU! you will never be forgotten! The family of Walter,Estel Shepler Hoppes
March 5, 2017
Jan Davis
Welcome home sir..
March 5, 2017
Bonita Zumbrun
Welcome home , Corporal Shepler and thank you for your sacrifice for your country . He is finally home and will be at rest in peace . God be with the him and his family as this journey home ends.
March 3, 2017
Welcome home, sir. Thank you for your service. God bless you.
March 3, 2017
Belinda Johnson-Neukam
Ron, I know the family is relieved that he is finally home. He will be put to rest in his native Union County. I know that your mom and her sisters and brothers are finally getting to give him his final resting place. He is a hero to all. It is shame that he didn't get to come home and have a full life. He gave up his life for his country.. God's blessings to all..
March 3, 2017
Vicki Ledford McCarty
March 3, 2017
Tim & Helen Walker
He finally made it home.
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