Todd William Shepherd

Todd Shepherd of Austin, TX passed away on January 6, 2024 at the age of 71. He was born on September 27, 1952 in Great Falls, MT. He grew up in Westport, CT. where he graduated from Staples High School, “The Real Rock-n-Roll High School” in 1970. That being said, Todd was an accomplished drummer and guitar player. Todd was on the Staples Swim Team and enjoyed swimming his whole life.

Graduating from Valparaiso University, IN, inspired his love of history. Todd was always involved in a book and had a voracious appetite for the printed word.

Following his graduation, he worked in sales for General Foods which eventually took him to Austin, TX where he became known to his new friends as the Jell-O Man. He continued in sales with the EZ Pawn Corporation and Covert Ford. He moved on to finance working with the IRS and then as a self-employed day trader. Todd and his late wife Sandy, who worked at Tomlinson’s Pet Store, were advocates for animal welfare and never hesitated to provide a forever home to animals in need.

Todd is preceded in death by his father, Leo Shepherd, wife, Sandra Schultz Shepherd and mother, Elsie Shepherd. He is survived by his “baby sister”, Kathy Shepherd (Tom) Strang, nephew Matthew Strang, aunt and cousins.

The family would like to thank the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute (UMROI), St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital and Circle House (Live Oak Estates) and the many physical therapists for the care and compassion they showed Todd during his recovery from a spinal cord injury. Heartfelt, unending love and gratitude to Todd’s friends from childhood, college, Austin and St. Christopher’s for their steadfast love and support through Todd’s final challenge.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 8724 Travis Hills Dr., Austin, TX on February 3, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Austin Pets Alive! or St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church capital campaign.