Michael Stephen Sheppard

June 14th 1945 - August 12th 2024

Moon Valley - Phoenix, AZ

Michael Stephen Sheppard, born June 14, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his Phoenix, Arizona home on August 12, 2024. He was the son of Frank & Agnes Sheppard and his siblings Charles (Bud), Donald (DJ), Robert (Bob), Nancy, and Richard (Dickie) Sheppard.

A proud U.S. Marine, Michael courageously served his country during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Rifle Marksman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal for his honorable service. Following his separation, Michael’s commitment to his country and identity as a Marine remained a source of great pride throughout his life.

Michael was a graduate of Washington High School in Ohio (Class of 1963) and pursued higher education at Glendale Community College in Arizona, following his military service. He eventually went on to work as a machinist, once owned his own painting company, and was known by all to be a true “jack of all trades.” He excelled at repairing houses, performing yard work (including growing and nurturing his favorite flowers: vincas), creating art, feeding birds, and reading scripture daily. Michael enjoyed living life within his means and took it upon himself to fix anything that needed attention, even if it meant outsmarting the occasional coyote or flock of quails.

Always warming up a room with his contagious smile and jokes, Michael was a natural ladies man. Nonetheless, the most important lady & true love of his life was Betty Jean Sheppard, whom he wed in 1984. The pair, both lovers of nature, enjoyed taking road trips, favorite holiday celebrated was Christmas, eating out at local restaurants, camping in their motorhome, and fishing together. Michael and Betty shared a wonderful 36 years together, until her passing in May 2020.

Throughout his life, Michael was invested in politics and Christian religion, he was an avid Bible reader, and enjoyed “watching politicians act like preachers and preachers act like politicians.” He wasn’t shy about speaking his mind, and was fond of announcing “I am not running for political office or trying to get married” whenever he “spoke the truth.”

Taking fashion cues from no one, Michael was most often seen in a crisp white Fruit of the Loom or custom Marine or flag -shirt, Wrangler, Leeor Levi jeans (or shorts, when it was too hot), ankle socks, and a pair of slip-on shoes. He also had an impressive collection of patriotic and military shirts in rotation.

If he wasn’t sipping on a tall glass of ice water, you might’ve found him with an Iced tea, Dr. Pepper, root beer, or cup of Kroger-brand coffee. He also was no stranger to a LifeSavers breath mint, eggs and breakfast sausage, artisan bread, tacos, burgers, or chocolate. Quite the foodie, Michael loved to frequently dine at the local dive Moon Valley Cafe or Manuel’s Mexican restaurant. He also always insisted on using his "old man" TV remote (which thankfully survived Arizona’s extreme heat and Summer Monsoons) to flip between Nascar, football, baseball, basketball, and good ol’ fashioned Western movies.

Despite often keeping to himself, Michael was rarely seen without his furry companion, Rocko. Rocko would seldom miss an outing with Michael, taking shotgun front seat in the car, lying quietly on Michael’s feet in restaurants, or helping himself to a seemingly endless stream of dog treats in Michael’s pants pockets. Michael was also blessed with great neighbors and three wonderful lifelong friends, David, Linda & Sonny in addition to a bountiful church family from Dream City Church in Phoenix, which included his beloved friend Celeste. Celeste & Michael had such a fun and playful friendship they both enjoyed talking each day, taking short outings to help others, attending church service, breakfast, swimming & just joking around being good friends.

In his final years, Michael became a devoted family man, spending as much time as he could with his sister Nancy and her husband Denny. Michael adored his nephews & two spitfire nieces Kimberly, Katherine & their other halves as well as Robby Kim's son. Michael reunited with a daughter he never knew existed 5 years ago. Michael & Lisa both started making up for lost time daily talks, regular visits & lots of home cooked meals in between trips from his son-in-law Shawn. Michael loved his grandchildren with all his heart the little Kendall AKA (firecracker) we think had him wrapped around her finger, he was very proud of Hunter 21, and eldest Ashton 24 in the US Air Force. He also took great pride in his cars, washing & polishing them up each week the blue 2021 Camaro, Bluebird, and red Jeep Wrangler, Kimber, which once belonged to his eldest granddaughter.

Michael's kindness, strength, and dedication to his family and country will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew him. He is survived by his sister Nancy, Daughters Michelle, Lisa, Grandchildren Ashton, Hunter, Kendall, Kaitlyn, Nicholas,Step Son Eddie, Niece Kimberly, Niece Katherine, Niece Ricki, Nephews Chris, Jeffrey, Doug, Terry, David, Darrell, and will be greeted by all his beloved family at the Lord’s pearly gates.

A graveside memorial service to honor Michael’s life and legacy will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024) on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 1:30PM-2:00PM.

We will then have food from dad's favorite place Manuels, fun conversations, share stories, picture books, have items to take home from his collections & slide show.

Held at Michaels daughter Lisa & son in law Shawn’s home from 3PM-5PM August 30th 2024 after the service.

1538 W. Wickieup Lane

Phoenix, Arizona 85027

253-249-8658 Shawn

206-261-5884 Lisa

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (https://secure.aspca.org), or Dream City Church (https://dreamcitychurch.us).

You may also consider writing to your Congressman to ask them to put an end to Daylight Savings Time. In life, Michael referred to the practice as operating on “The Devil's Time,” and hoped to see the day that everyone would be back on the “Lord's Time.” He was ever appreciative of Arizona moving away from the practice in 1968.