Benjamin Franklin Sheppard

In the early morning hours of August 30th, 2023, Benjamin Franklin Sheppard, 101, peacefully flew home to be with his Lord and Savior.
Ben was born to Ross and Lorna Sheppard on July 31st, 1922, in Badoura Township Minnesota. He was born in his grandparents' primitive log cabin without electricity. Ben was the first of 5 siblings and the last surviving.
He met the love of his life, Barbara Tucker, in 1940. It was love at first sight. Ben often remarked that after their first meeting he would marry her. On October 27th, 1945, they were in fact married and shared just shy of 75 wonderful years together until her passing in August 2015.
In July of 1942 Ben volunteered for the Navy Air Corp with hopes to become a Pilot which he successfully accomplished. He served in country until December 1945.
After Discharging from the service, due to the end of WW2, he and Barbara started their life together in Minnesota and raised two beautiful children (Tuck & Sandra).
Ben worked as a salesman his entire life. His love for people and conversations suited his career well. It allowed him to travel and eventually brought him and his family to Bellevue, WA. They resided there for 50 years before moving to Custer.
In his free time Ben enjoyed bird watching, beach combing, collecting coins, tending to his roses, and teaching Sunday school.
Over the span of his long and great life he made a ceaseless number of memories with family, friends (who felt like family), co-workers and strangers. Ben "collected" people and they often remarked how blessed they were to know him, whether for decades or only a short time.
His legacy has left all of us desiring to make a positive impact on people the same way he did.
If Ben touched your life, please consider joining us in celebrating his remarkable story.
A celebration of life followed by an ice cream social will be held in his honor on Saturday, September 16th @2:00pm at Sunrise Baptist Church at 2480 W Badger Rd. Custer, WA 98240.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to AWANA - Sunrise Baptist Church (sunrise-church.com) (2480 W Badger Rd. Custer, WA 98240) or Home – Stafholt Health and Rehab of Cascadia-Activities Department (456 C St. Blaine, WA 98230)