Robert Earl Sheppard

Robert Earl Sheppard, 66

After a courageous nine-year battle with cancer, Bob passed away on September 21, 2025, surrounded by a room full of love and family.

Bob was born on May 5, 1959 in Anchorage, Alaska, to Ronnie and Marvel Sheppard (Reeves). He was the only boy, right in the middle of five sisters.

The family lived in various places across northern Idaho and eastern Washington before settling in Clarkston in 1968.

Bob graduated from Clarkston High School in 1977. He held a variety of jobs before beginning work at Potlatch Corp. (now Clearwater Paper) in 1979. His health forced him to retire early in 2016, after 37 years at the mill.

In November 1981, Bob married his "girlfriend," Kelli Jo Boyle. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed their first son, Josh, in 1983, followed by their second son, Jason, in 1985.

Bob loved water skiing, snow skiing, coaching his sons' sports teams, fishing along the Washington and Oregon coasts, and camping with his family and close friends. His most cherished times were anytime his kids and grandkids were all together. He loved watching his grandkids' sporting events or them just dancing around the house. His favorite hobby was working on and restoring old cars. Over the years, he refurbished a 1953 Ford pickup, a 1966 Chevelle SS, a 1968 Mustang with his son Jason, and his most recent project-a 1931 Ford Model A. In recent years, Bob spent countless hours with close friends wrenching, sanding, painting, and finishing the '31 Ford. In 2009 Bob began the task of building our shop and house with our son Josh and with lots of help from family and friends it was completed in 2012. He was a talented woodworker and loved restoring vintage gas pumps and oilers.

Bob was a member of Holy Family Parish for over 40 years but was just baptized in August 2025. He spent many years volunteering at the school and church while his boys attended school there and during the 25 years his wife was the school secretary.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Ronnie Sheppard; his sister, Diana Barnett; his brother-in-law, Rick Manka; and his father-in-law, Patrick Boyle.

He is survived by his wife, Kelli Jo; his son Josh (Chelsy) their children, Berklie, Reece, and Jensyn; son Jason (Katie) their children, Pryce and Chance; his mother, Marvel Sheppard; sisters, Kathy Wood (Dick), Linda Manka, Annette Sheppard (Willy Brooks), and Lori Oldfield (Ken); brothers-in-law, Greg Barnett, Mother-in-law, Melva Boyle, brother-in-laws, Mike Boyle, Steve Boyle (Joan), Bob Boyle, and Ted Boyle (Holly), Mark Boyle (Laura); as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made to Holy Family School, 1002 Chestnut Street, Clarkston, WA.

An Open House Celebration of Life will be held at the Lewis Clark Hotel on Saturday, Sept 27 from 2-6 pm, 111 Main Street, Lewiston, ID.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Sept 29 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1109 Chestnut Street, Clarkston, WA.