Some of the “Lucky 13” survivors of a flood that impacted Exira in July, 1958, returned to the area earlier this week, to recount their experience. Kenn Shepherd was just six and one-half years old, when his parents, Don and Janette Shepherd, and his two younger brothers, Keith and Steve were traveling along Highway 71 on their way to Minnesota, July 2^nd, 1958. Kenn said Tuesday, that a heavy thunderstorm erupted on that date, and the road ahead became difficult to see. Their vehicle soon became caught up in rapidly rising flood waters. Firefighters were evacuating the City of Exira at the time. The brothers and their parents along with eight others, spent the night hanging onto a gravel truck as their own vehicle became engulfed in the flood. He said the firefighters were their heroes.

The firefighters came up with a way to keep the family and others safe. They had them up on the side of a gravel truck at a gas station. Another, similar truck was parked next to it, but it was overturned by the floodwaters and swept away. The truck Kenn and the others were on was watched over by firefighters, who made sure it wasn’t hit by debris. Even though it was a scary experience, Kenn Shepherd says the adults around him did everything possible to keep him and his brothers safe.

He said they could only get a glimpse of how bad the situation was, during flashes of lightning. The rain continued until sunrise that day. Keith Shepherd was only four-years old when the event was unfolding. He doesn’t remember much, and his dad hardly ever talked about the incident, but during their visit to Exira this past week, they heard stories about the event. He says talking with persons who saved newspaper articles about the flood brought a whole new perspective to what he and others went through.

Steve Shepherd was two-years old, so he doesn’t remember or think about. He said he was just thankful for those who were there,” and saved his family. He said he senses most people in the area don’t talk about it much, but will open-up if they’re asked. Kenn recounted too, how, after they were rescued, the Salvation Army and others provided clothing and other needs. Their family stayed at a church parsonage in Atlantic. The family’s 1952 Buick Special was found full of river mud and farm soil, and was a total loss. Kenn said the experience solidified his faith in God and his faith in others. 19 individuals lost their lives that night in 1958.