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Matthew Clive Sheppard, 51, of Saint Albans, WV, passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 5, 2025, at CAMC General Hospital after a sudden illness.
Matthew was born in and lived most of his life near Parkersburg, WV. He was diagnosed with leukemia while an infant and underwent experimental radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He not only survived, but he also overcame several challenges that occurred because of the experimental treatments. He graduated from Parkersburg South High School in 1992 and worked at Park Tours until his health forced him to take disability retirement.
His various hobbies over the years included collecting Hotwheels, watching television, listening to country music, dining out, hunting, repairing and driving antique tractors at the family farm, and riding ATVs. He enjoyed attending meetings of Saint Albans on Purpose and adored his dogs, Daisy and Benny. He also earned his WV Waterfall Trail T shirt after having suffered a second stroke that left him with a gait derangement. Matthew could only be described as compassionate, witty and generous and absolutely without guile.
Matthew is survived by his son, Timothy C. Sheppard of Washington, WV; his father, Jesse E. Sheppard of Washington, WV; two sisters, Angela M. Sheppard Hunt (Bryan P. Hunt) of Palestine, WV, and Rebecca L. Sheppard Rodak (Robert P. Rodak) of Saint Albans, WV; one nephew, Patrick B. Hunt (Cassandra E. Rosa Hunt) of Palestine, WV; and one great-niece, Mariella A. Hunt of Palestine, WV. Preceding him in death were his mother, Margaret G. Armel Sheppard; grandparents W. Clive and Myrdith E. Thorne Sheppard and Frank H. and Bertha M. Epler Armel; and his friend and cousin, Brian D. Fouss.
Matthew's early childhood cancer treatments played a role in the development of modern, effective medical science. At the end of his life, several of his organs were gifted to those in medical need, so he again played a role in saving lives.
Services will be held for family and close friends at St. Marks Episcopal Church in St. Albans, WV. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, will handle the arrangements, and his ashes will be interred at Pisgah Cemetery in Palestine, WV. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or any organization benefiting those with disabilities.