Homer Sheppard Jr.

Homer Tignor "Shep" Sheppard Jr., 92, of Plano, Texas, a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, under hospice care after a long illness.

He was born Nov. 27, 1920, in Seattle to Josephine Beckett and Homer Sheppard Sr. He grew up in Scott City (Fornfelt) and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Part of "The Greatest Generation," post-World War II, he advanced his education with a bachelor of science degree in metallurgical engineering from Missouri State University at Rolla (formerly Rolla School of Mines).

He always strove to perform at top levels and expected no less from those around him. He is remembered as having strong convictions, being devoted to what he believed in, and having great determination and discipline. He also had a ready smile, a keen sense of humor and a willingness to help.

Shep's professional career included assignments with General Motors Corp. in Danville, Ill., and Belle City Malleable Foundry (which later became Racine Steel Castings, under Evans Products) in Racine, Wis.

He and Ruth had a golf and friend-filled retirement in Hot Springs Village, Ark., many years before relocating to the Plano area. Shep was a lifelong member of the Masons, Elks and American Legion. He was a member of the United Methodist Church since childhood.

Survivors include two loving daughters and their families, Simona Frank and husband Thomas of Richardson, Texas, and Sheri Sheppard and husband Edward Carryer of Palo Alto, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Frank and wife Shelly, Suzanne Hoff and husband Brian, and Portia Carryer; four great-grandchildren, Logan and Austin Frank and Sophia and Josie Hoff; two sisters-in-law, Georgia Whitaker Allen of East Prairie, Mo., Jean Sheppard of Dallas; and a niece and nephews.

His partner in life more than 69 years, Ruth, preceded him in 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Keith.

His family remembers a strong and loving father and mentor who enjoyed a heated discussion and whose engineering spirit in redesigning and repairing was always alive. We miss you, Daddy. We express a special thank-you to the staff at Emeritus at Collin Oaks for their years of loving care and attention for both Shep and Ruth, as well as the devoted caretakers from Grace Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Sparkman Funeral Home in Richardson, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.

The family asks in lieu of flowers any donations be made to Grace Hospice Education Fund, 730 Avenue F, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75074.