Carl David Shepard, 78, of Bella Vista, AR, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away following a short illness from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He was surrounded by his family as he passed into the arms of his Savior.

Carl was born in Waterloo, Iowa on December 21, 1946, the son of Darwin E. and Ruth J. (Wagner) Shepard. He graduated from West High School in Waterloo in 1965 and then apprenticed at a tool and die company. Carl married Sarah (Ellis) Shepard on June 21, 1968, at Walnut Street Baptist Church. Carl and Sarah spent time serving those in their church body, joyfully loving the people in their lives. They were blessed with a daughter, Hannah, and son, Paul. Carl worked in the construction industry throughout his life and also did a two-year seminary program in Arkansas. After seminary, Carl and his family returned to Waterloo where Carl began a construction company, C. Shepard Construction, and remodeled and built houses in the Cedar Valley. He continued to build homes with Sarah by his side after they moved back to Arkansas in 1997. They retired from building homes together in 2020.

Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Carl and Sarah loved and worked alongside each other with joy. Each night as they prepared for rest, they would sing Amazing Grace together. Carl was a talented carpenter who also had a lifelong love of learning, reading, writing, thinking, and asking questions. He spent many hours studying the Word of God. He also enjoyed astronomy, trains, baseball, and spending time with his family. Through his quiet and gentle spirit, Carl was steadfast in his faith in Jesus Christ. He always had a smile on his face and a scripture in his heart. He wanted others to know about Jesus and His love for each of them. Carl led by his quiet example of diligence to the Word, being quick to listen and slow to speak, and being a faithful and steadfast friend. As Carl experienced the progression of PSP, he was able to continue enjoying activities of experiencing God’s amazing grace and mercy through listening to Gaither music, audible books, and the tender and attentive care of Sarah and his family.

Carl is survived by his wife, Sarah (Ellis) Shepard of Bella Vista, AR, daughter, Hannah (Kevin) Higgins of Bella Vista, AR; son, Paul (Alison) Shepard of Waverly, IA; grandchildren, Julia, Kate, Peter, Nora, and Hazel Shepard; siblings, Gloria Shepard of The Villages, FL, Bob (Judi) Shepard of Springfield, MO, and Connie (Jim) Wetz, of Johnston, IA; brother-in-law, Tom (MaryAnn) Ellis of Pineville, MO; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation and Funeral Service: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon afterward. Burial to follow at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, 3430 W. 4th Street, Waterloo, IA 50701.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.