Ned Shepard, 78, of Cleveland, OH, died Tuesday, June 7th, 2022, at the Sprenger Town Center in Avon Lake, OH, after suffering a heart attack following a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was born December 9, 1943, to Joseph and Mary Gertrude (Wahl) Shepard, now deceased. Ned was preceded in death by his wife Doreen Frances (Sanker) Shepard, and his brothers Thomas (Barbara) Shepard and Father Timothy Shepard.
Ned attended and graduated from St. Edward High School, class of 1961. Ned served in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966. Ned had a lengthy career as a United States postal worker, until his retirement in 2004.
Through his brother William and his future brother-in-law Thomas Sanker, Ned met and fell in love with Doreen Frances Sanker, also of Cleveland, OH. They were married on February 3, 1968, and resided in Lakewood, OH, for twenty years before moving to the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland.
Ned was an active member of St. Mel’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher, assisting with treasurer responsibilities, and Lenten fish fries. Ned also enjoyed fishing, trips with Doreen to Las Vegas, Sunset Beach, NC, with his extended family, and watching Cleveland Indians baseball from his favorite chair.
Ned deeply loved his wife Doreen of fifty-one years. Ned and Doreen were both living at the Sprenger Town Center when Doreen passed away on December 31, 2019, and Ned was always by her side.
Ned is survived by his daughters Kim Shepard (Beth Blissman) of Cleveland, OH, Colleen (Shepard) Minnich (Chip) of Avon Lake, OH. Ned adored his grandchildren Olivia, Owen, and Quinn Minnich, all of Avon Lake, OH. Ned is also survived by his siblings Rita Hinkel (John; deceased), William (Del), Mary Bostwick (Roger), Ann Misconish (Ron), Eileen Meder (B.J.), and Julie Hummel (Joe), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm in the chapel of Donlon Funeral Home, 15408 Triskett Rd., Cleveland. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mel's Catholic Church, 14436 Triskett Rd, Cleveland Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to: Hospice of the Western Reserve (www.hospicewr.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.act.alz.org/donate).