Colonel Richard L. Shepard

Colonel Richard L. Shepard was born to John and Mary Louise Shepard on October 8, 1962. At an early age, Richard accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. Richard attended the Lawrence Public School System from Elementary to High School. Upon graduating High School, attended Emporia State University for his undergraduate studies obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Upon graduating from Emporia State University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program as a distinguished military graduate, he received a Regular Army Commission into the Adjutant General’s Corps in May 1986. Richard met Deidre A. King and later married on October 6, 1996 to this union two children were born: Ryan and Quentin Shepard. Richard later went on to obtain his Master’s Degree of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA.

Richard despite all of his accolades and achievements was a true family man! He loved his family more than life itself. Richard was also a dedicated, smart, caring, kind individual who never met a stranger. As a military officer, there was no greater leader who cared about his soldiers. Richard made it a point to consider the military his family as well.

In his short Life, Colonel Shepard was Director for Manpower, Personnel and Support, U.S. Forces, Japan, Yokota Air Base, Japan; and Director of Personnel, Office of Security Cooperation – Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq. Colonel Shepard held numerous command and staff positions during his 28 years of commissioned service. His assignments included Chief, Personnel Actions, Headquarters 2nd Corps Support Command, Nellingen Barracks, Germany; Battalion Adjutant, Special Troops Battalion, Nellingen Barracks; Deputy Brigade Adjutant, 2nd Recruiting Brigade, Fort Gillem, GA; Commander, 517th Personnel Services Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, TX; Battalion Operations Officer, 509th Personnel Services Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey, Korea; Executive Officer, Army Modeling and Simulations, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Pentagon; Battalion Executive Officer, Division Strength Manager, Deputy G-1, Fort Riley, KS; Chief, Combat Support Development, U.S. Army Soldier Support Center, Fort Jackson, SC; Director, Enlisted Personnel Management, U.S. Army Europe, Schwetzingen, Germany and Commander, 38th Personnel Services Battalion, Bamberg, Germany. Richard was the last acting Brigade commander over all personnel and postal service command in all of Europe. He has also been noted in the U.S. Army History.

Colonel Shepard’s military education included the Adjutant General’s Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General’s Officer Advanced Course, Recruiting Commander’s Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, United States Army Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College and attended The Joint Services Leadership School for the Asia Pacific Area.

Colonel Shepard’s awards and decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Services Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4), and the Parachutist Badge.

Colonel Richard Shepard is leaving behind to cherish his memory: His wife of 21 years Ms. Dee King-Shepard, two sons: Ryan and Quentin King-Shepard. Both his mother and father: John and Mary Louise Shepard (Lawrence, Kansas). One brother: John (Carmella) Shepard of Arizona. He also leaves two sister-in-laws of St Louis: Janice and Ardis King and one brother-in-law: Albert McGowan of St. Louis. He also leaves behind a host of uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews cousins, and numerous friends.

Funeral services for Colonel Richard L. Shepard, 51, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the First Regular Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence. Military burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Lawrence.

There will be a visitation prior to the service on Saturday from 9 – 11 a.m. at the church.

A visitation will also be held Friday, October 10th from 4 – 9 p.m. at the First Regular Missionary Baptist Church.

33 Condolences

  1. Arnold Alcazar on October 4, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Our condolences go out to Col Shepard and his family during this difficult time. I was honored to have served under his leadership during our tour in Japan.



  2. Mark & Karen Gatto on October 4, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    Our sincere condolences. May you all be granted mercy through your grief.



  3. The Belt Family on October 5, 2014 at 10:08 am

    May God grant your entire family peace and mercy. I wish I was close enough to give you a hug Dee, but I know that your sons will take great care of their Mother!



  4. Carl & Jan Rice on October 5, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Dee, I send my deepest condolences to you, Ryan, Quentin and the family. Words cannot express my sadness at the passing of Rich. I established a friendship with Rich and was honored to have served with him. My God comfort your hearts during this difficult time. I will keep you all in my prayers.



  5. Jonathan & Sterling Carter on October 5, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    My wife and I were truly shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of COL Shepard. Richard was my detachment commander at Fort Bliss, TX. He was without a doubt absolutely one of the finest commanders that I served with in 20 years of military service. We will always cherish the memories of Richard Shepard, and are eternally grateful that we crossed paths with such a great friend, husband, father, and Soldier. You will never be forgotten.



  6. Stephen and Myzella Dowdell on October 6, 2014 at 8:12 am

    We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you Dee, for the loss of your husband, and to John and Mary Shepard for the loss of their son. May God give you strength through this difficult time. The family is in our prayers.



  7. Randy Richert on October 7, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Dee and family, Andrea and I have you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We very much enjoyed our short time with you at USFJ in Japan where I shared an office suite wall with Rich. He and I made a great professional friendship during that time and I will treasure it always. May God watch over you in this time.

    Randy & Andrea Richert
    Colonel, USAF, now at Scott AFB, IL



  8. Mary and Chad Owens on October 7, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    We are praying for your strength during this difficult time. You all have our deepest condolences. The world is a little sadder without Col Shepard in it but heaven has gained an angel. Know that we love you all and we are here for you.



  9. Nancy Scott Guest on October 7, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    To Mr. & Mrs. Shepard, John, Dee and sons. My heart is heavy right now but I want you to know your’e in my thoughts & prayers. This is a difficult time but I know GOD is carrying you all in his hand. I am so proud to have known Richard and we are definitely old school mates from Kind. through college. He has always been an officer & a gentlemen and I am so grateful for GOD loaning him to us. You all keep the faith and the sun will shine again someday. You will continually be in my prayers. Heartfelt Sympathy Nancy.



  10. Kim Shepard on October 7, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    My heart has been truly heavy since I learned of my cousin Richard’s passing. I hope and pray that God will give his entire family strength to handle this tragedy. Richard is gone too soon but he will never be forgotten. May God bless you and keep you safe in His arms. Love always, Kim



  11. Geoffry Brown on October 7, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    Our condolences go out to the entire Shepard family. I knew Rich since we were boys, were Brothers in Alpha and had very important conversations in our lives.



  12. Bernadette and Frank Brown SFC RET. on October 7, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    My heart is so heavy! Dee, no words can fix a broken heart nor can time mend a severed soul! We love you and the Col…may he rest in Paradise until we all meet again!



  13. Kim Transue Hubbel on October 8, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Richard and I became great friends at LHS. We both credited the other with helping us actually pass Computer Programming class, but I know that it was all him. I talked with him most recently as we talked about our 30 year HS reunion. He was so very proud of his family. Richard shares his birthday with my oldest daughter, Kyrstan, and each year since she was old enough to understand, she has heard the tales of what a great guy and great friend he was to me. My heart is heavy but my life is fuller for having known him.



  14. Linda Folsom Tolbert on October 8, 2014 at 8:41 am

    Mary

    I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of your son. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Linda Folsom Tolbert



  15. Cara & Jim Connelly on October 8, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    We became acquainted with Richard through our business in downtown Lawrence several years ago & always enjoyed hearing about his new locations over those years. What a gentleman he was and we are so sorry for your loss.



  16. Jeffrey W. Brlecic on October 9, 2014 at 9:35 am

    A truly extraordinaire leader, role model and friend. Patient, kind, caring, confident, smart, honest and above all just. The epitome of officer and gentleman. I am truly blessed to have known Rich. You and Rich are in my prayers and meditations and will remain so for a very long time; may God’s Peace be with you.

    COL(R) Jeffrey W. Brlecic



  17. General and Mrs Richard Hayes on October 9, 2014 at 11:15 am

    Dear Dee, Mary and boys:
    Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Richie was a good person and he will be remembered.
    May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
    Our best to you always…



  18. princess joyful on October 9, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    I am saddened and shocked to hear this. Col Shepard was a caring leader who I had the pleasure to serve with in Japan. I wish Ms Dee and the boys my sincere condolences and hope for comfort and peace at this time.



  19. R. Wayne McEntire, 1SG (R) on October 10, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss COL Shepard. My most treasured military service was under his extraordinary tutelage (many great memories that have never and will never fade). May God provide you all the strength needed during this sorrowful time.



  20. Patrick & Kesae McEleney on October 10, 2014 at 8:13 am

    Dee,
    Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. May God bring you peace in this difficult time. It was an honor to know you and Rich while you were in Japan.
    Patrick & Kesae McEleney



  21. Frank Bordenave on October 10, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Dee, Ryan, and Quentin, I am very sorry to for your loss. Col Shepard was a good man. He personally touched my life in a positive way. If I can help in any way, please call on me.

    V/r

    Frank
    MSG B



  22. verner newman bubby on October 10, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Mary lou and John and JOn JON as i know you i am so sorry about your loss I cant believe it the good do die young I don’t even know how to describe my sorrow Richard, John , and J.B. Miller and myself went to church every sunday and then came to your house to ride that mini bike but at least we went to church. I love you all and will miss Richard! I am so sorry! I Dont know what to say at least he had kids to carry on the legacy so you can love them and not miss him as much but it is still a genuine loss and i am sorry for all of us but in his short life he did great things for god and his country and will be missed very much Love you all Bubby Newman



  23. Julie Shepard Lane on October 11, 2014 at 12:19 am

    To My Dear Family – Dee, Ryan, Quentin, Mary-Lou, John Sr., John Jr. and Carmie

    Words cannot express our sadness and deepest sympathy. Richard encapsulates the term “Officer and Gentlemen”. His love and pride of his family was expressed time and time again.

    I will miss my cousin and my friend.

    Should you need anything, please know I am here for you. We will continue to lift your family in prayer.

    To Richard…Rest in Peace.

    With Love, Julie



  24. John Bradley on October 11, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    I am fortunate to have been a classmate of Richard throughout our Lawrence school experience. A class act and quiet leader with an easy smile is my memory of him. I am sad that I did not keep in touch with him. I would certainly thank him for his service to our country and for his friendship as we grew up. May God’s mercy comfort each of you.



  25. Kevin Crisp on October 12, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    To the entire Shepard Family:
    We are so sorry for your loss and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Kevin and Andrea Crisp



  26. Milton and Jennifer Roberts on October 13, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Dee, Ryan and Quentin, We are deeply sad while offering our condolences to you and your family. No words can help heal what you are going through. We hope that you will soon find peace in your hearts soon and just remember that Richard was one of the greatest men that ever lived. Your 38th PSB family is rallied around you and just know that we have your back. We love you.

    Milton and Jennifer Roberts



  27. Christy, Mark, and Alan Hamrick on October 14, 2014 at 6:32 am

    I could write a book about how special COL Shepard, Dee, and the boys are to us. They became part of our family while we were stationed at Yokota. COL Shepard was a great boss and an even better friend. He helped my husband and I out many times with his expert advice both personally and professionally. I have nothing but fond memories of him.

    Dee, Quentin, and Ryan, my heart and prayers go out to you all and if you need or want anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.



  28. Dan Schwendeman and Family on October 15, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Dee, our family is deeply saddened by Rich’s passing. We’ll always remember Rich fondly and feel lucky that we had the pleasure of knowing and working with him in Japan. Rich will be very missed. To paraphrase Gandhi, “There shouldn’t be a goodbye, he touched our hearts and will always live there.” and for that we are thankful.



  29. Eric Baum on October 16, 2014 at 8:05 am

    To the Shepard Family,
    The Reservists of Sommerhausen was deeply affected and very sad upon learning that Colonel Richard Shepard, our German-American 38th Personnel Services Battalion Partnership Commander, had passed.

    On behalf of all the Sommerhausen Reservists, I would like to take this time to express our most sincere condolences.

    Colonel Shepard was a sincere advocate of our partnership program and we have truly lost a great leader and most of all a true comrade. We are happy to be able to reflect on the great memories of our many partnerships activities and celebrations, whether in the city of Sommerhausen or the 38th Personnel Services Battalion home station of Bamberg.

    We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Colonel Shepard and remember him honorably.

    The Sommerhausen Reservists feel very connected and share in the mourning of a beloved and respected person.

    We wish the family lots of strength and God’s help during your time of sorrow after such a loss.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shepard family during your time of mourning.

    In Deepest Symphathy,

    Eric Baum, 1. Vorstand
    Reservistenkameradschaft Sommerhausen



  30. Ken Revell on October 16, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    Rich was a tremendous human being. When he died I felt like a piece of me died I pray the blessings of the Holy Spirit will rest in full force upon all family and friends who are feeling this immense lost>

    Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

    Ken Revell



  31. Charles C. Jones on November 18, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    To Dee and family, I saddened me very much to hear of Col. Shepard’s passing. As commander of the 38th PSB he was my boss, but he was also a friend. He treated the civilians under his command as equals to his soldiers. I will never forget him, and you Dee, and he will be forever missed. Sincerely, Mr. Jones Postmaster, Schweinfurt, Germany ( Ret.)



  32. CW4 (R) SILVIA LOVE on February 18, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    COL Sheppard was my supervisor in Baghdad. I just found out about his passing and hard for me to wrap my head around that.

    I pray that Dee, Ryan, Quentin and all his relatives have begun to heal from their great loss.

    God bless.



  33. Dave MacGill on August 4, 2018 at 11:09 am

    I was so surprised to see the announcement of Richard’s death in an old alumni magazine. I was one of his roommates in college at ESU, both in the dorms and later in an apartment off campus. Although we lost track of each other after graduation and over time, I’ll always remember the lessons he taught me about discipline, by example not necessarily words. Looks like he did the same for countless others.



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