Richard Lee Sheppard, Sr.

Richard Lee Sheppard, Sr., age 87, of Vermilion, Ohio died peacefully at 8:33 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the home of his son, Rick, who had been providing comfort care at his home near Antrim, Ohio.

Born February 22, 1938, in Moorefield, Ohio; he was the son of the late Orville Eugene Sheppard and Cora Mae Brokaw Sheppard.

Richard moved to Vermilion and went to work for Meyer Goldburg Grocery Store, then went to Ford Motor Company in Lorain in 1960 and retired in 1995 where he worked in the maintenance department. After retirement he worked for six years as a bagger for Giant Eagle in Vermilion and enjoyed making new friends.

He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed out of state hunting trips with his son, Rick. He was so proud of the ten-point buck he shot when he was 85 years old. He loved county fairs and attending tractor pulls. His greatest joy in his later life was spending time with his ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard was known as “Papa” and “Old Man” to those who loved him.

His wife of 63 years, Helen Gerasimof Sheppard, preceded him in death on July 28, 2020. They were married December 7, 1957, in Moorefield, Ohio.

Surviving are a son and two daughters: Richard Lee “Rick” (Marjorie) Sheppard, Jr. of McCoy Road, Freeport; Patricia Diane (Tom) Dryfuse of Vermilion and Carol Ann (David Williams) Kleinhans of Sandusky; ten grandchildren: Brian West, Adam (Ashley) West, Katie (Edward) Young, Amanda (Bill) Mikschl, Cory (Regine) Kleinhans, Haleigh Kleinhans, Spencer (Heather) Sheppard, Connor (Kelsey) Sheppard, Samantha Sheppard, Cassidy Sheppard; thirteen great-grandchildren: Adleigh, Nolan, Brinkley, Camden, Madison, Stetson, Jackson, Trevor, Evelynn, Nora, Stella, Evie, and a great-grandson, Miles, who is expected to arrive in February, 2026; and a sister, Marlene Terrell.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Zachary Kleinhans and his great-grandson, Luke Mikschl.

Per Richards wishes, he wanted a family Celebration of Life which will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be buried in Moorefield Township Cemetery along with his wife at a later date.

The family wishes to commend Hospice of Guernsey for all the services provided and the extraordinary and loving professionals who provided exquisite care and comfort. To support Hospice, donations may made in Richard’s memory to Hospice of Guernsey, 9711 East Pike Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725.

Koch Funeral Home of Freeport was entrusted with his arrangements. Online condolences may be made on their website www.kochfuneralhome.net