Dan Shepherd Obituary

Dan E. Shepherd

Mar 23, 1945 - Mar 11, 2024

Sandusky

Dan E. Shepherd, 78, residing in Sandusky, passed away Monday evening, March 11, 2024, at Stein Hospice Care Center following a brief illness.

Dan was born March 23, 1945, in Sandusky, to Edward B. and Kathryn (Christman) Shepherd.

Dan graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1963. He then enlisted in Ohio National Guard before he became a Sandusky firefighter in 1968, climbing through the ranks before eventually being promoted to Fire Chief in 1991. He retired in 1993 after 25 years of service. Along with being a firefighter, he drove school buses for Sandusky Public Schools and became the Transportation Supervisor. After retirement, he drove the school bus for St. Mary's Schools for the student's athletic sporting events.

Dan was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church, where he sang in the Men and Boys choir in the 1950s and 60s. He joined the choir full-time in 1992. Dan was a member of Sandusky Yacht Club, Lyman Boat Owners Association, and was a founding member of Sandusky Maritime Museum. He enjoyed taking his 28-foot Lyman out each morning for the "Lyman Loop" around Sandusky Bay. He also enjoyed fishing, boat rides to Kelley's Island with family, and rooting for New York Yankees and Cleveland Browns. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Leslie Shepherd of Sandusky; son, Christopher (Kendra) Atkins of Camarillo, California; granddaughters, Annabelle and Lilah; sister, Kathie (Ed) Nicholson of Chatham, New Jersey; longtime companion, Deb Atkins; and four nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews he was a special uncle to.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Margaret (Bickley) Shepherd in 2013.

Visitation for friends will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Sandusky Fire Department will conduct a Last Alarm Service at 4:30 p.m. Prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at the funeral home followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Prashanth Kumar presiding. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.

Those wishing to contribute to Dan's memory may do so to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, Sandusky Maritime Museum, 125 Meigs St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or Sandusky Fire Shoe Fund, 600 W. Market St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

The family would like to thank Stein Hospice Services for their care and compassion through this difficult time.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.