Tommy Don Shempert

            Tommy Don Shempert went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. He passed away at his home in Frederick, Oklahoma, at the age of 77 years, six months and 12 days. He was born January 1, 1940, in Vernon, Texas, to Guy and Blanche Mildred (Lawhorne) Shempert. He was raised by his mother and step-dad Floyd Jackson Key. He came to Frederick at the age of five and attended Frederick schools. He received an associate degree in applied science from Western Oklahoma State College. He entered the Federal Army Reserve in 1958, and then on May 5, 1960, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he enlisted in the Regular Army. He served three tours in Germany, one tour in South Korea, and two tours in Vietnam. He was a Combat Engineer and was honorably discharged as Sergeant First Class on January 31, 1981, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Among awards and decorations received include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Fourth Award, Expert (Rifle M-16), and the Meritorious Service Medal. Tommy Don was a member of the Waynesville, Missouri Masonic Lodge#375, a 32nd Degree Mason (Scottish Rite), as well as a Shriner. He was actively involved in numerous service related organizations such as: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans. He attended Bible Baptist Church, in Frederick, Oklahoma.             Survivors include two sons: Jerry Shempert, Frederick, Oklahoma, and Michael Shempert, Waynesville, Missouri; a sister: Sammie Ellis, of Mead, Oklahoma; two half brothers and five half sisters, all of Arkansas; and three grandchildren: Jacob, Isabelle and Emily Shempert. Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home111 N. 11th StreetFrederick, OK 73542(580) 335-2112