David “Shep” F. Sheppard

1935 - 2017

Born to Ralph and Edith Sheppard on February 1, 1935, in Woodlynn, PA. He died surrounded by his family on December 24, 2017, in Las Cruces, NM.

He is survived by the love of his life, Celia, of 61 years, his daughter Anita and Patrick Garcia, Barbara Sheppard and son David, 10 grandchildren; Celina Waller, Rebekah Garcia, Diana Garcia, Matthew Simonetti, Aimee Thompson, Allyssa Campos, Stephanie Campos, Christian, Nick, and Cameron Sheppard; great grandchildren, Aviana Garcia, Jasmyne Garcia, Malayna Bryant, Ricky Bryant, Syanna Waller and Vale Thompson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that reside in Pennsylvania and Florida.

David was retired after 21 years with the US Air Force. He was in the Korean and Vietnam wars, in which he received numerous medals, including the Bronze Star. He was a board member of Otero Federal Credit Union for 33 years. He was also retired from KMart Corporation and The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Ralph, William and Raymond, his grandson Jaime Sheppard, two nieces, Kathy Sheppard and Karen Naylor and nephews, Jack and Robin Sheppard.

"Shep" will always be remembered for his great love of the Tularosa Wildcat Sports, "true Wildcat pride"!!

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 5, 2018, at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church with Fr. Theophine Okafor, Celebrant.
Cremation has taken place.

The Sheppard family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com.