Shepperd, John Ben

(October 19, 1915 - March 8, 1990) A native of Gladewater, John Ben Shepperd began a law practice in Longview soon after his graduation from the University of Texas Law School in 1941. After service in World War II, he gained prominence as national president of the Jaycees. His public service career began in 1946, when he was appointed to fill his father's unexpired term as county commissioner. Governor Allan shivers appointed Shepperd secretary of state in 1950. He was elected attorney general in 1952 and was reelected in 1954. As attorney general, he attacked political corruption in Duval county and the misuse of state veterans land funds. After retiring from public office in 1957, Shepperd moved to Odessa where he practiced law and supported numerous civic and charitable endeavors. He was appointed to a number of state and national boards and commissions, including the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (now Texas Historical Commission). He was the driving force in the growth and development of the Historical Marker Program, which became nationally recognized during his term as chairman. He renovated his Gladewater boyhood home and farm after his retirement. He is buried in the family cemetery south of town.

Shepperd, John Ben is a historical marker in Gladewater, Gregg County, dedicated in 1992. It is one of 81 historical markers documented in Gregg County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 124 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.5356, -94.9434 near Gladewater. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include First United Methodist Church of Gladewater, Dr. E. L. and Nannie Lewis Walker House, and Foshee Family.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5183009996. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.