Donald W. Shepard

Donald W. Shepard, 95, of Elyria, died January 13, 2024 at the home of his daughter in Vermilion.  He was born May 24, 1928 in Elyria and was a 1946 graduate of Elyria High School.  From 1946-1948, he served with the US Navy.  Donald received a bachelors degree from Baldwin Wallace University and masters degree from Kent State University.  He worked in the Elyria City School system as teacher, principal of Spring Valley School, curriculum coordinator and retired as assistant principal of Roosevelt School. Donald was a longtime member of LaPorte United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir.  He was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting and golf.

Donald is survived by son, Bruce (Patty) Shepard of Manassas, VA; daughters, Diane (Valentine) Janicek of Vermilion and Penny (Jeff) Felty of Elyria; grandchildren, Meg and Molly Felty, Joshua (Kristen) Janicek, Zachary (Michelle) Janicek, Sarah (Daniel) Kneip and Katie (Taylor) Fontaine and great-grandchildren, Carter and Morgan Janicek, Jackson, Lainey and John Janicek, Liliana and Sophia Kneip and Brooks and Riley Fontaine.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor B. in 2014; sister, Jean McConnell and parents, Carroll and Marguerite Shepard.

A private gathering and burial at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township are in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria.

Memorial contributions can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, 5510 Baumhart Rd. Lorain, 44053.

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