Phillip J. Shepherd, 79, of Wiscasset, died Nov. 5, 2017 at Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick.

Phillip was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 12, 1938, a son of William and Vera Delores (Hadlock) Shepherd. He attended schools in Lombard, Illinois and graduated from Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Shortly after high school, Mr. Shepherd enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He faithfully served for nine years. Following his final tour of duty in 1967, he worked as electronics technician for IBM in Portland, RCA in Lewiston, Sandars in South Portland, Fairchild in South Portland and then Digital, from where he retired in 2003. In 1974, Phillip enlisted in the Air National Guard and served for over 11 years. He retired in 1985 with over 20 years of service to his country.

He married Mary Caton on Nov. 7, 1959.

An avid outdoorsman, Phillip enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and hiking in the woods.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, William D. Shepherd, and a sister, Nancy Mundt.

Surviving are his wife of Wiscasset; his son, David Shepherd of Sandown, New Hampshire; a sister, Ruth Ann Strain of Lombard, Illinois; three grandchildren, Heather, Rachel and Laura, all of Auburn, New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Mt.Vernon Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help veterans can be made in Phillip’s memory to VAVS, Attn: General Welfare, One VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements are in the care of Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. Condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com