Richard "Dick" Shepherd, a cherished educator and beloved member of the community, passed away on Feb. 9, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City, at the age of 94.
Born on Dec. 15, 1930, in Champaign, Ill., to George Ellis and Blanche Edith Spicer Shepherd, Dick lived a life marked by dedication to education, service, and family.
Dick’s commitment to teaching began at South Whitley High School and spanned 32 years, during which he embraced various roles, including teacher, vice principal, principal and athletic director. His journey continued at Northfield High School and Portage Middle School in Fort Wayne, concluding with his tenure at Manchester High School. After retiring from education, Dick brought his diligence to CFC Distributors and engaged in painting alongside his good friend, Ron Miller.
A proud veteran, Dick served in the United States Air Force following his high school graduation. His military service included time with the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing in Okinawa, Japan, and Korea during the early years of the Korean War. Over his 16 years in the military, including both active and reserve duty, he attained the rank of staff sergeant and always spoke fondly of his time in service, exemplifying a strong sense of duty and honor.
Educationally, Dick graduated from Bippus High School in 1948 before attending Indiana University. He ultimately earned his degree in education from Ball State University, followed by a master’s degree in administration from Manchester College, exemplifying his lifelong dedication to learning and leadership.
An outdoorsman at heart, Dick found joy cutting wood, hunting, trapping, and tending to his beloved land. He held a deep passion for baseball, particularly for the New York Yankees, enjoying listening to games on the radio while keeping meticulous records of every pitch. His love for intellectual pursuits was evident in his enjoyment of crossword puzzles and daily reading of the newspaper.
On Dec. 16, 1951, Dick married Rosalee E. Lofland at the Bippus Calvary United Methodist Church, where he remained a lifelong member until his passing. Together, Dick and Rosalee shared nearly 67 years of marriage prior to her passing on August 20, 2018. Their bond was a testament to love and partnership, deeply rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
The loving memory of Richard “Dick” Shepherd will be forever cherished by his sons, Gene (Martha) Shepherd, Warsaw; and Chris (Kelly) Shepherd, South Whitley; daughter, Lorene Dotson, Silver Lake; brother, John “Jack” (Joan) Shepherd, Bippus; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosalee Shepherd; daughter, Ena Elizabeth “Beth” Shoemaker; brothers, George “Buddy” Thomas Shepherd and James “Jim” Shepherd; sisters: Georgia Poore, Edith Deuringer, Ena Shepherd and Anita Kenny; and two grandchildren, Steven Michael Wolfe and Kristopher Corridan Shepherd.
Family and friends may call Thursday, Feb. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 Ind. 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at Bippus Calvary Church, 7925 North 900 West, Huntington. Calling will begin at 9 a.m. with Pastor Jim Hippensteel officiating. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Servia.
The family of Richard “Dick” Shepherd has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com