Funeral today, Oct. 27
By Bernie Hayes
For the St. Louis American
Housing advocate Macler Shepard, 88, founder of Jeff-Vander-Lou Inc., died Friday (Oct. 21, 2005) at Delmar Gardens North Nursing Home. Shepard was an expert on federal housing policy and the housing needs of low-income people.
Along with other housing activists, he incorporated Jeff-Vander-Lou in 1966. One of the first areas in St. Louis where African Americans were permitted to own real estate, it was once home to Scott Joplin and James “Cool Papa” Bell but deteriorated in the second half of the 20th century.
Shepard often complained about the housing conditions on the North Side. He decided to be the vehicle to effect positive change.
Shepard moved to St. Louis from Arkansas as a youngster and attended Vashon High School. He was trained as an upholsterer and worked for several years at Ideal Furniture Co. before starting his own business, Sheridan Upholstering and Refinishing Shop.
Friends and associates described Shepard as a tireless, effective and honest advocate for affordable housing in St. Louis, whose tireless passion extended into his personal time.
He achieved large measures of success and received numerous community and humanitarian awards, including the Black Citizens Award from the Collective Effort Improvement Association and the Rockefeller Public Service Award. He was honored for his efforts in restoring the Scott Joplin House and served as a commissioner for the Bi-State Development Agency.
Longtime friend and neighbor Norman Seay said, “He made an outstanding contribution toward developing the Jeff-Vander-Lou area. He lived at 1727 Leffingwell at Magazine, and we should honor his memory by renaming the street on which he lived. I hope we can develop future leadership of the quality that he exhibited.”
In his book Jesus in Back Alleys, Hubert Schwartzentruber said, “Macler’s wisdom was sought by persons from all sectors of society, from President Carter to the homeless on the street.”
His wife, Jessie Jean Shepard, preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, Dave Shepard, and sister, Orelia Woodson, both of California.
Visitation was yesterday at Ronald L. Jones Funeral Chapels. A funeral service will be held today (Thursday, October 27) at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 2741 Dayton St. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Macler Shepard Fund, 2801 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis, Mo. 63106.
