Darrell Dean Shepard's Obituary
Darrell Dean Shepard, 85 years old, passed away in peace on Friday, September 3, 2021 in Centerville, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years, Marilyn (Seeley) Shepard, son Dustin Shepard, brother-in-law A. LaVern Shondel. He is survived by his two daughters, Denise (Mike) Asbury and Monica (Fletcher) Heard, five grandchildren: Nick Shepard, Alex Heard, Kyle Heard, Ashley Wayman, Clint Shepard, and five great-grandchildren.
Dean was born on March 12, 1936 as the oldest son to Lowell and Nevella (Bear) Shepard. He has two surviving siblings, Wendell (Mary Louise) Shepard and Karen Shondel.
Dean enjoyed retirement but had a very long career of 42 years with AT&T as a fiber optic technician. His work allowed him to travel around the country, and even moved his family to Salt Lake City, Utah for several years before returning home to Iowa.
He loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing, boating, working in the yard, and gardening. Dean loved spending time with his family and was very nurturing and patient. He pulled his kids on a zipsled behind his boat countless times at Lake Rathbun. He taught them about fishing and spent many hours out on the water, especially with Dusty.
One of Dean's favorite hunting trips was for elk in Montana when he woke up to a major earthquake and still came home with an elk. He was very skilled in woodworking and created beautiful pieces of artwork for his family.
Dean had been a very proud member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners for several years. He enjoyed marching in parades with the Shriners, and was famous as the "Lion." He later became a member of the fraternal order of the Eagles.
We will love and miss you beyond what words can express, but your love, strength, and wisdom will be with us always. We have comfort knowing you are once again with Mom.
Service for Dean will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 10:30 AM at the Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment at Highland Cemetery in Mystic, Iowa will directly follow the service. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 8 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Memorials can be made to the Wounded Warriors and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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