Donald C. Sheppard

Donald C. Sheppard, 88, of rural Trent passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the United Retirement Center in Brookings where he has been a resident since August of last year.

Donald was born January 8, 1922, to Grover and Laura Sheppard at Montrose, SD. He spent his childhood years in the Franklin, Illinois area, graduating from Franklin High School in 1940.

Donald married Doris Magness on May 29, 1942, in Luverne, MN. The couple would celebrate 68 years of marriage this year. The couple lived in Sioux Falls while Don worked at John Morrell and Co. They later moved to Colton, where Don operated a gas station and later owned D & D grocery store, which Don and Doris ran together. The couple farmed near Lake Campbell and then moved to their farm home in northwest Moody County, where Don continued to farm. In his retirement, the couple moved to an acreage northeast of Trent, where he resided until his move to the nursing home.

Don was an aficionado of vintage cars, having collected and restored a large number through the years. He would spend hours in his workshop bringing old, rusted engines into running condition. Don was also a patriot who loved his country and delighted his grandchildren with an annual fireworks display to celebrate and honor America each July 4th. Don took joy in the activities of his grandchildren and traveled many miles to attend their athletic and music events.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Doris, Brookings; three children, Sandra (Eddie) Carpenter, of Jacksonville, IL, David (Cynthia) Sheppard of Egan and Sonja (Clint) Van Holland, Elkton; nine grandchildren: Devon Haupt, Tyler Carpenter, Camber Carpenter, Brendan Sheppard, Charissa Covey, Justin Sheppard, Dillon, Mason and Gavin Van Holland and five great grandchildren: Claire, Luke, Morgan, Quin and Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Gertrude, and two brothers, Kenneth and Raymond.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Brookings Wesleyan Church, Brookings. Visitation with the family present will be from 6-8:00 PM Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Brookings.