Thomas Shepherd, age 69 of Hwy 406, Essie, KY, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the Hazard ARH Medical Center. Thomas was born April 25, 1942 in Roark, KY to the union of Verna Shepherd and the late Sheldon Shepherd. He was united in marriage to Chelsea Collett on July 08, 1966. Thomas served honorably in the United States Army and served as a missile crewman. By occupation he was a retired coal miner and enjoyed hunting, fishing and four-wheeling as his hobbies. He is preceded in death by his father: Sheldon Shepherd, one son: Thomas Allen Shepherd, one granddaughter: Audrey Jackson and one brother: Dale Shepherd. Thomas leaves the following surviving: his beloved mother: Verna Shepherd of Hyden, KY, his loving and devoted wife: Chelsea Collett Shepherd of Essie, KY. One son: Christopher Lee Shepherd of Essie, KY, two daughters: Tammy Annette Hubbard & Robert and Carmela Renee Jackson & Stacy both of Manchester, KY. Eight Brothers: Sheldon, Jr. & Helen of Asher, KY, Woodrow of Asher, KY, Curtis & Cinda Kay of Mozelle, KY, Asher & Linda of Asher, KY, Raymond & Becky of N.C., Ernest & Evonne of Manchester, KY, Lonnie & Nancy of Cumberland, KY and Allen & Connie Shepherd of London, KY. Three grandchildren, Robby Hubbard, Joshua Jackson and Trenton Thomas Jackson. One great-grandchild and a host of other family and friends survive.