Lathan Riley Shepard, 9, of Festus died Nov. 13, 2025. Lathan was a fourth grader at Festus Intermediate School. He loved the outdoors, including riding bikes and scooters, fishing, climbing trees or trying to catch or rescue the animals he could find. He had a big imagination and loved going on adventures. He had a passion for baseball and loved playing pick-up games with his buddies, playing catch, practicing pitching and hitting dingers into the woods. He practiced hard and was excited to start with his new team. He enjoyed being the center of attention, making others laugh, making faces (especially in pictures), dancing silly, making videos and playing pranks. He was known to have lived a life full of happiness and love, and will be remembered for his free spirit and kind heart. Born April 21, 2016, he was the son of Oriana (Garrett) Noll and Caleb Shepard.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by three siblings: Owen Noll, Knox Shepard and Hudson Noll; grandparents: Wendy and Pete Roth, Cara and Rob Propst, Matt Shepherd and Michelle and Bob Noll; great-grandparents: Elaine Kennedy, Patty Shepard and Harold Etzel, Ron and Janet Shepard, Rose and Bob Propst and Fred and Kay Shepherd; aunts and uncles: Luke (Taylor) Propst, Carter (Missy) Propst, Jeremy Propst, Tony (Elizabeth) Roth, Dylan (Hilah) Roth, Colin Shepherd and Taylor Noll; five cousins: Oliver Propst, Kendall Propst, Waylon Roth, Westin Roth and Carter Johnston; and numerous other family members and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at Radiant Life Church, 11533 Gamel Cemetery Road, in Festus. Memorials may be made in the form of bringing a stuffed animal to donate to Toys for Tots and other local children's programs. Arrangements are under the direction of Jay B. Smith Funeral Home.