Richard T. Sheppard

1935 - 2014

Sheppard, Richard T. ESCONDIDO -- Richard (Dick) T. Sheppard went home to his maker on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2014. He had been ill for many months with many health problems. He passed on peacefully with no pain. He will be missed by his wife, Jane; brother, Jack; and his boys, Scott, Brian and Jeff Davey and their families. Dick also had four daughters, Dawn, Kym, Heather and Kristen and their families; his many grandchildren; his great- grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Carter; and his sister, Joy Howard. Dick was born in Escondido on June 24, 1935 and lived in Escondido until his death on December 16, 2014. He was 79 years old. He attended schools in Escondido and in high school worked part-time for Frazee Paint. Later, after his college days at Palomar, he graduated from UCLA with a degree in Mortuary Science, worked for Alhiser-Wilson Mortuary as a mortician, and then Funeral Director/Owner for five local mortuaries. During his 22 years at Alhiser-Wilson, he enjoyed many community activities. Among his life achievements are the following: Dick joined the Jaycees and later became President for two terms. He then went on to become California Jaycees State V.P. He won the Distinguished Person Award from the City of Escondido in 1966. He joined the Escondido Elks Lodge and worked his way through the chairs to Exalted Ruler in 1966 -1967. During this time, he chaired the Citracado Days and chaired the Christmas Parade for two years. While in the Elks, he chaired the District Scholarship committee and established a scholarship for the Escondido Lodge. He was President of the Escondido Lions Club, founding member and President of the Boys and Girls Club of Escondido, and served on their Board. He was chosen to sit on the Escondido School Board and served for seven years. Along with other civic minded people, he chaired the Boy Scout Jamboree in San Diego. He was chosen to sit on the BofA Achievement Award committee. He organized the "Up With People" Organization and was President for two years. He chaired the old time "4th of July" celebration for Escondido and persuaded many of the Escondido Service clubs to participate. He helped establish Davy Jones Meat Locker, a steak and lobster restaurant in downtown Escondido in the early 1970's. In the early 1980's, Dick changed careers and worked for Spears Mfg. for many years. He then went into a business with his partner, Greg Benedict, as a sales representative, enjoying the friendship and loyalty of many customers and vendors. Dick enjoyed life, lived it to the fullest and always kept his sense of humor. He was a wonderful man and his family and friends will miss him forever. A Memorial/ Celebration of Life will be held at the Escondido Elks Lodge on Sunday Dec. 21st between 1p.m. and 4 p.m. A private graveside service for family will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the following charity "California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc.," 5450 E. Lamona Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727.