Memorial Services for Merlin Anthony Shephard, age 89, of Picayune, Mississippi, who passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018, and joined in heaven with the love of his life on Valentine’s Day, will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a Retired Welder for American Marine and Bergeron Industries. Merlin was a member of the Catholic faith. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, who will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Harris Shephard and Eliska Delaune Shephard; his loving wife, Elsie Martin Shephard; his son, Todd Merlin Shephard, Sr.; his brothers, Gerard Shephard and Jerome Shephard; and his sisters, Geraldine Joly and Merle Cox.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Shelly (David) Cullen, Deborah (Donald) Poincot, and Barry Shephard, Sr.; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Obituary and register book can be found on the internet page, at www.mcdonaldfh.com.