Depression years of the 1930s he worked in various capacities to support himself and his mother , including part-time work as a saxophonist with local dance bands including the Lawrence Welk band during its early formative years in the Midwest. Richard and Alice Merrell Shephard were married in 1941 at the First Baptist Church in Fremont.
During World War ll, Richard answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy aboard the
U S S Ponderay that transported supplies and troops throughout the Pacific Theatre. Following the war he returned to Fremont to resume a business career with various enterprises including the Hammond & Stephens
Printing Company, Christensen Sand and Gravel Company, the Fremont Elevator Company and Shephard Farms, Inc. Always an avid golfer throughout his entire life, Richard won seven city championships between the years of 1939 through 1977 at the Fremont Country Club where he caddied as a young boy. He was also a life member of the Nebraska Amateur Golf Association, and Past President of the Nebraska Senior Golf Association and a founding member of the Krupinski Golf Scholarship Foundation. Additionally, Richard was a 32nd degree Master Mason in the Scottish Rite where he achieved Honorary Life Member status.
Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years Alice, three sons, David, John and Charles, his daughter Diane, and his daughter-in-law Gloria (wife of John Weir), as well as six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Grave site services for family and friends are scheduled at Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday, July 29 at 3:00 PM
Military Honors will be rendered by the Fremont Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854.
Condolences(4)
Roy Farris
Fremont, Ne Tuesday, July 29, 2008 To Richard's family, I am so sorry to hear about the death of Richard. You all are in my thoughts.Brian Emmons and Family
Fremont, Ne Monday, July 28, 2008 Alice and family we are so sorry, and Dick will be missed greatly. He always stopped and took the time to say HI and wanted to know how you were doing. You are some very wonderful FRIENDS, and we will miss him deeply.Betty Gustafson Bruce
Lake Elsinore, CA Saturday, July 26, 2008 David, I extend my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your Father. Know that you will be remembered in my prayers. BettyKatrina Rodgers, CMA Arbor Manor
Fremont, NE Saturday, July 26, 2008 I first wwanted to express my condolences to the family and to alice.richard was a great man. he always greeted me with a smile and hi how are you. the whole family was always so welcoming and warm ever time they came to arbor manor. i will miss richards smile and warm greetings to me every day.