Obituary of
Sheppard, Ronald
In a spirit of sadness we announce the passing of Ronald Sheppard on May 13, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. He was 88 years old. Ron was born in Nevis, Minnesota, on January 21, 1927, to Harry and Annabel Sheppard. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1967. Ron had a long career in music beginning with the U.S. Army and continuing until the age of 86. He was an extraordinary musician who played the string bass, tuba, and sousaphone. Ron's remarkable range of music genres included marching band, concert band, jazz, Dixieland, big band swing, and German band. After his retirement from the Army, Ron moved to Dallas with his family and began a successful career in sales. Ron was a long time member of John Calvin Presbyterian Church and an active volunteer with the North Dallas Shared Ministries. He was also a dedicated Shriner. While he was a Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Ambassador, many bewildered travelers were delighted by Ron's genuine friendliness and great sense of humor.
Ron is survived by his wife of sixty eight years, Helen Sheppard; one son, Dr. Barry Sheppard (Deborah); and daughter, Gay Henson (Joe). He was a loving grandfather to three grandsons: Carson Sheppard, Sam and Ben Henson. Ron will also be missed by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family members and friends. He is predeceased by his sister, Maxine Driscoll.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Brooks Family Chapel at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas.
The Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 19, at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 4151 Royal Lane, Dallas, at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by interment with military honors at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211 at 1:15 p.m.
At 3:00 p.m., lunch and refreshments will be offered at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
For more information, please call North Dallas Funeral Home: 972-241-9100.
If you wish to send a memorial, please send it to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, Texas, 75219; (214)-559-5000, attention: Development Department.
Please send the family condolences and/or share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Sheppard, Ronald
I just learned of Ron’s passing, and I’m terribly saddened. I sat next to him in the tuba section of the Richardson Community Band. I will miss him.
Phillip Johnson
Thursday October 13, 2022
I just learned of Ron's passing, and I'm terribly saddened. I sat next to him in the tuba section of the Richardson Community Band. I will miss him.
Uncle Ronnie was bigger than life to me. I always love visiting with my wife’s family, but my first question was always, “Is Uncle Ronnie gonna be there?”. When Kim and I would walk in, everyone else would hug Kim and welcome her..except Uncle Ronnie. He always came straight for me and pulled me into his warm embrace. He always made me feel special. We would talk about the Army, A&M (he’d tell me an Aggie joke), the stock market…he just enjoyed visiting. When we would depart, I would tell Kim, “I want to be like Uncle Ronnie when I grow up.” When I would fly through DFW, I often took a walk hoping Ronnie was working that day. I always enjoyed surprising him and visiting with him while I waited for my flight. I hope that others say I make them feel special in the same way. If they do, it will be because of the legacy that Uncle Ronnie left with me. Love you buddy! I’ll miss you until we get to hug in front of our Lord and Savior!
Mike Connor
Thursday October 13, 2022
Uncle Ronnie was bigger than life to me. I always love visiting with my wife's family, but my first question was always, "Is Uncle Ronnie gonna be there?". When Kim and I would walk in, everyone else would hug Kim and welcome her..except Uncle Ronnie. He always came straight for me and pulled me into his warm embrace. He always made me feel special. We would talk about the Army, A&M (he'd tell me an Aggie joke), the stock market...he just enjoyed visiting. When we would depart, I would tell Kim, "I want to be like Uncle Ronnie when I grow up.” When I would fly through DFW, I often took a walk hoping Ronnie was working that day. I always enjoyed surprising him and visiting with him while I waited for my flight. I hope that others say I make them feel special in the same way. If they do, it will be because of the legacy that Uncle Ronnie left with me. Love you buddy! I'll miss you until we get to hug in front of our Lord and Savior!
I met Ron and Helen at my sister, Debby’s wedding to Ron’s son, Barry Sheppard. Ron was always a good-humored soul with quick intelligence as his son has. Ron’s service to our country should be a great source of pride to his family. Ron was a member of the Greatest Generation and we owe all of those folks respect and thanks for liberties we enjoy now. Soldier On Ron.
Greg Nemetz
Thursday October 13, 2022
I met Ron and Helen at my sister, Debby's wedding to Ron's son, Barry Sheppard. Ron was always a good-humored soul with quick intelligence as his son has. Ron's service to our country should be a great source of pride to his family. Ron was a member of the Greatest Generation and we owe all of those folks respect and thanks for liberties we enjoy now. Soldier On Ron.
As a fellow band member I recall his good nature. Although I did not know him well, I could tell he was admired and respected by many others. We all will miss Ron.
howard schwartz
Thursday October 13, 2022
As a fellow band member I recall his good nature. Although I did not know him well, I could tell he was admired and respected by many others. We all will miss Ron.
Helen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ron. We are currently out of the country and will not be back until after the memorial service.
When I joined the Hella Band after not playing the tuba for over 25 years, Ron was my mentor and quickly became a special friend. I will miss him and his hardy laugh. Upon our return I will contact you.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Gray
Thursday October 13, 2022
Helen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ron. We are currently out of the country and will not be back until after the memorial service.
When I joined the Hella Band after not playing the tuba for over 25 years, Ron was my mentor and quickly became a special friend. I will miss him and his hardy laugh. Upon our return I will contact you.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron was a valued member of the Richardson Community Band. He LOVED his annual Army Band reunion and never failed to bring back a program for me and tell me all about the concerts. He will be missed.
George W. Jones
Richardson Community Band
George W. Jones
Thursday October 13, 2022
Ron was a valued member of the Richardson Community Band. He LOVED his annual Army Band reunion and never failed to bring back a program for me and tell me all about the concerts. He will be missed.
George W. Jones
Richardson Community Band
Uncle Ronnie was bigger than life to me. I always love visiting with my wife’s family, but my first question was always, “Is Uncle Ronnie gonna be there?”. When Kim and I would walk in, everyone else would hug Kim and welcome her..except Uncle Ronnie. He always came straight for me and pulled me into his warm embrace. He always made me feel special. We would talk about the Army, A&M (he’d tell me an Aggie joke), the stock market…he just enjoyed visiting. When we would depart, I would tell Kim, “I want to be like Uncle Ronnie when I grow up.” I hope that others say I make them feel special. If they do, it will be because of the legacy that Uncle Ronnie left with me. Love you buddy! I’ll miss you until we get to hug in front of our Lord and Savior!
Mike Connor
Thursday October 13, 2022
Uncle Ronnie was bigger than life to me. I always love visiting with my wife's family, but my first question was always, "Is Uncle Ronnie gonna be there?". When Kim and I would walk in, everyone else would hug Kim and welcome her..except Uncle Ronnie. He always came straight for me and pulled me into his warm embrace. He always made me feel special. We would talk about the Army, A&M (he'd tell me an Aggie joke), the stock market...he just enjoyed visiting. When we would depart, I would tell Kim, "I want to be like Uncle Ronnie when I grow up." I hope that others say I make them feel special. If they do, it will be because of the legacy that Uncle Ronnie left with me. Love you buddy! I'll miss you until we get to hug in front of our Lord and Savior!
Mr. Sheppard was like a Daddy to me and my sister Carol. He was so fun and always had a smile on his face.
Mrs. Sheppard–please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need ANYTHING!!!!
Gay–Even though we live many miles apart, please remember I will always be here if you need me. Please convince your Mom that I mean it when I say to call if she needs anything. My heart goes out to you and your family for their loss.
Barry,
I am sorry for your loss too. I know your Dad was very proud of you and Gay. I know he is very fortunate to have been married to your Mom all of those years and to have such wonderful and caring kids.
Love,
All the Berkenbile’s (Janet, Steve, Charley, and Samantha)
Janet Berkenbile
Thursday October 13, 2022
Mr. Sheppard was like a Daddy to me and my sister Carol. He was so fun and always had a smile on his face.
Mrs. Sheppard--please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need ANYTHING!!!!
Gay--Even though we live many miles apart, please remember I will always be here if you need me. Please convince your Mom that I mean it when I say to call if she needs anything. My heart goes out to you and your family for their loss.
Barry,
I am sorry for your loss too. I know your Dad was very proud of you and Gay. I know he is very fortunate to have been married to your Mom all of those years and to have such wonderful and caring kids.
Love,
All the Berkenbile's (Janet, Steve, Charley, and Samantha)
Uncle Ronnie was a hero to me and my sisters and brothers when he and Aunt Helen and Barry would visit Minnesota every summer. (Gay was just a twinkle in her parents eyes in those days.) He taught us all to water ski. I remember how he vsited with us and amused us with his colorful stories. My mother adored her one and only brother, Ron. His musical talent and flair for entertainment was displayed at my grandparents’ 50th Anniversary when Uncle Ronnie arrived in full Scottish regalia marching in the bagpipes. That was thrilling. May there be a happy reunion in God’s love with Max and Ron. With love to you all.
Dianne Phaneuf
Thursday October 13, 2022
Uncle Ronnie was a hero to me and my sisters and brothers when he and Aunt Helen and Barry would visit Minnesota every summer. (Gay was just a twinkle in her parents eyes in those days.) He taught us all to water ski. I remember how he vsited with us and amused us with his colorful stories. My mother adored her one and only brother, Ron. His musical talent and flair for entertainment was displayed at my grandparents' 50th Anniversary when Uncle Ronnie arrived in full Scottish regalia marching in the bagpipes. That was thrilling. May there be a happy reunion in God's love with Max and Ron. With love to you all.