Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Some love stories transcend time and place, weaving together moments of connection and growth. For one local couple, Mary (Lamb) and John Shepherd, their 64-year journey together is both a celebration of their relationship and a demonstration of their deep-rooted love and dedication to Excelsior Springs. The town has shaped their lives as parents, educators, and community members. Together, they have become pillars of the community, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who’ve had the privilege of crossing their paths.
Their story began in the 1950s when Mary was a senior at Richmond High School, visiting William Jewell College. During her visit, she saw John walking across the campus with friends. “I saw these three guys walking down the quad, and I asked who the guy in the middle was,” Mary recalled that as their eyes met, she knew, “It was love at first sight.”
At the time, John was already in a relationship, but there was an instant connection that they couldn’t deny. Their bond deepened when they officially met at a fraternity party at William Jewell.
Mary added, “I was in a sorority, and his girlfriend was also in my sorority, which didn’t make things easy.” Yet, on December 3rd, despite the challenges, John made his intentions clear by sending Mary a card and a basket of dates—a clever invitation to their first date.
As time passed, their first date approached, and Mary waited excitedly for the moments to go by. While she was at a basketball game, Mary had a serendipitous encounter with John’s father, who told her, even before their official first date, “You’re the one.” From that moment on, there was no looking back. They married in 1960 when Mary was 19, and John was 22, starting a life filled with shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
The couple settled down in Excelsior Springs, a decision that would influence not only their life as a married couple but also their careers and contributions to the community. Mary noted that the community offered them a sense of familiarity and support and fulfilling careers within the school district, allowing them to work and raise their family in a close-knit setting.
“Excelsior Springs is halfway between our parents’ homes, and it felt like the perfect place for us,” Mary said.
Mary and John both dedicated their careers to education. John, now well-known for his commitment to athletics and academics, began teaching and coaching at Excelsior Springs Junior High School before becoming the head basketball coach at the high school. Over time, he also served as an assistant football coach and activities director.
Mary, equally passionate about education, taught for four years before stepping away to raise their children. “Back then, if you were pregnant, you couldn’t work,” she said. “So, I decided to quit temporarily to raise our son.”
Four years later, Mary returned to teaching but soon discovered she was pregnant again. She chose to stay home once more, ultimately raising three sons. However, once their youngest son started kindergarten, she rejoined the workforce, working alongside her husband in the school district.
The couple’s children, David, Richard, and John, grew up in a supportive environment within the community they loved, and both Mary and John continued supporting and prioritizing education and community involvement. All of their sons went on to achieve great success, including becoming student body presidents during their formative high school years.
Mary reflected on living in Excelsior Springs, saying that working and raising a family here has been wonderful. The community’s supportive atmosphere played a pivotal role in shaping her children’s success as well as for herself and John.
Despite their busy careers, the Shepherds always prioritized their relationship. Their marriage is grounded in core values that have sustained them through the years, and honesty is a cornerstone. Mary advised that for anyone in a committed relationship, it is key to “first be honest with yourself and be able to sit down and communicate.”
She shared that communication is vital, and she believes that both partners must understand each other deeply and be absolutely committed. “If you run around, there’s no walking back,” she said, emphasizing that faithfulness is non-negotiable. The Shepherds’ commitment to each other and their values have been the bedrock of their 64-year marriage.
As for love in their relationship over the years, Mary explained it’s always at the forefront for a lasting, sustaining marriage. But for this couple, it’s not just love that has held them together, it’s also a deeply shared love for their community.
After initially living in a furnished apartment on Kansas City Avenue, the couple purchased their first home on North View Drive. Their neighbors welcomed them with open arms, even decorating their home to celebrate the birth of their first son.
“Our neighborhood was so close-knit,” Mary reflected. “It was full of wonderful people who made us feel like we belonged from day one.”
Their sense of belonging in the community has been strengthened by the time they have spent in Excelsior Springs, as they still attend and host neighborhood gatherings, including Fourth of July parties and, more recently, Super Bowl get-togethers. Over time, Mary explained that neighborhoods have changed, but she and John still feel very connected to the community and maintain strong bonds with those living in Excelsior Springs.
The relationship between the couple and their shared community experiences have been nothing short of fulfilling even through moments of needed support as it has played a critical role in the Shepherd’s strong foundation for their family and how much love they share for each other. As John himself has said, “Excelsior Springs will always be home,”
As for their love story, it was written in ink, 64 years ago in the Richmond Newspaper, that “the Shepherd has taken a Lamb,” as the couple continues to forge on showing nothing but love dedication, and unwavering commitment not only to each other but also to the community they call home, Excelsior Springs leaving a mark on the town, ensuring that their story will continue to inspire generations to come.
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