Andrew Jackson Shepherd

Andrew Jackson Shepherd, age 84, of Houston, Texas went to be with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.

Jack was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 25, 1926 to Allen and Violet Shepherd while his father, a native Houstonian, was on a work assignment. The family moved back to Houston when Jack was still a baby. He graduated from Reagan High School in 1942, where he excelled in debate, and then enrolled at Texas A&M University.

After his freshman year, Jack entered the Navy and was sent to the Pacific theater to fight in World War II. His tour included time in the Admiralty Islands, the Philippines, and Borneo aboard the USS Wachaprague. He participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest battle in world history, in which the Wachaprague aided in the destruction of several Japanese warships. For his military service, Jack received four medals: American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Philippine Liberation, and World War II Victory.

After the war, Jack returned to Texas A&M and finished his degree in pre-law and history. He then graduated from South Texas School of Law in Houston. After six years of private practice, he joined the US Attorneys Office and served as a federal prosecutor for 32.6 years. During that time, he served as the Chief of Lands Division, the Chief of the Civil Division, and the Chief Assistant to the U. S. Attorney.

Jack married Joyce Hallum on April 3, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. They first resided in Oak Forest and later moved to the Spring Branch area in 1964. Jack devoted his life to his wife, children, and church. He was particularly well-known for teaching adult Sunday school classes at his church and coaching little league teams for his children. He was most recently a member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church on Memorial Drive.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joyce, sister Sarah Fuller, brother Reading “Bus” Shepherd, and grandson Jonathan Abuhamad.

He is survived by his brother, Allen Shepherd. He is also survived by his five children: JoAnn Shepherd, Jackson Shepherd, Julie Cook, Jenny Abuhamad, and Jason Shepherd. He had 19 grandchildren: Danny Perette, Christopher Perette, Scott Shepherd, Joe Shepherd, Nick Shepherd, Lee Shepherd, Jacob Shepherd, Matthew Cook, Sophie Cook, Joshua Cook, Caleb Cook, Jonathan Abuhamad, Thani Abuhamad, Anna Lee Abuhamad, Isabella Abuhamad, Theo Abuhamad, Jaycee Shepherd, Jack Shepherd, and Douglas Shepherd. He also had five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two daughters-in-law Michelle Shepherd and Kristi Shepherd and two sons-in-law Damian Cook and Ramiz Abuhamad.

Services will be held on Friday, August 17 at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 14200 Memorial Drive. There will be a viewing at 6:00PM followed by a funeral service at 6:30PM. A reception at the church will follow the funeral. Interment will be at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. The graveside service is scheduled for 10:00AM Saturday.

Condolences can be sent to 3600 Nicholaus Cove, Round Rock, Texas 78664. Arrangements by Beresford Funeral Home.