Richard Earl Shepard Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard E. Shepard, 82 of Toledo, departed his earthly life to go home with his heavenly father on Sunday February 17, 2013. He was surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. He was born on March 4, 1930 in Adrian, Michigan to Alton and Leona Shepard. Upon their divorce, Richard was raised by his mother and stepfather Carlos and Leona Bell. He was always so excited to share his stories of life while growing up with his baby brother, Gerald Bell. On December 10, 1955, he married Gladys M. Rice at East Broadway Evangelical United Brethren Church. The next chapter in his life began when he became a proud father of 2 daughters. As years past and the daughters married and had families of their own, he became a very proud grandfather and great grandfather. His greatest and ultimate passion was his family. He was a very active Amateur Radio Operator for 55 years. He was also very active in numerous Masonic organizations, American Legion and K.W.V.A. Dad was very proud to be a veteran of the United Stated Air Force serving in the Korean War. Dad began his employment with the railroad with New York Central in 1948 until he was hired by E.I. DuPont where his love of numbers and formulas were used to create and make paint for our everyday use. He retired on disability in 1990 after 26 years. He was also a member of Hope United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death and welcoming him to his heavenly home is his wife, Gladys M. Shepard; mother and step father, Leona M. and Carlos Bell and father, Alton Shepard. Left to cherish his memory is his brother, Gerald (Phyllis) Bell; daughters, Mrs. Karen (Robert) Varner, Mrs. Debbey (Danny) McCrum Sr.; grandchildren, Mrs. Rebecca (Jason) Hamann, Mrs. Jessica (Christopher) Haley, Richard McCrum, Jonathon McCrum, Crystal McCrum; great grandsons, James Hamann and Jacob Hamann and many extended family members. Friends are invited to visit from 2:00 to 8:00pm Wednesday at the Ansberg-West Funeral Home 3000 Sylvania Avenue where the Blue Lodge will conduct service at 7:30pm. Services will commence 11:00am Thursday at Ansberg-West with Rev. John Richards officiating. Interment in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to the Amaranth Diabetic Fund or Hope United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.ansberg-west.com

Richard Earl Shepard

March 4, 1930 - February 17, 2013