Jerry Dean Sheppard

Jerry passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, he was 80 years old. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, outdoorsman, and friend.

Born in Sonoma, California in October 1942 to Lotus and Isophene Sheppard, he was the youngest of ten brothers and sisters. Jerry graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1961 and went onto the Airforce, for three years stationed at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, CA. Returning to Sonoma, he became a firefighter, and served for 30 years with the Valley of the Moon Fire District, working his way up to Captain before retiring in December 1999.  Jerry also served for 18 years as a reserve sheriff deputy in Sonoma County where he was known by his call sign, as Dwarf. Jerry met his wife, Elaine (Franco) Sheppard in Sonoma, were they raised their two children Michele and Michael. They were together for 60 years and happily married for 56 years. 

Jerry wasn’t one to sit back, dedicating his career and time, giving to the Sonoma community.  He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking the family camping and on road trips.  He looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Eagle Lake, which he took with many of his close friends.  Always returning with funny stories and a great catch to share - or at least a story of the ‘one that got away’.  Jerry had a great sense of humor, always one to share a joke, make a connection, giving out nicknames, or generally razzing about something fun.  Jerry loved NASCAR and spent many years after retirement working at Sonoma Raceway, where he made many lifelong friends and enjoyed riding his quad. 

Jerry was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and would share updates at any opportunity of their most recent accomplishments with a smile and often a tear. 

He is survived by Elaine and their two children, Michele (Mike) Dunevent, Mike (Stacy) Sheppard, their four grandchildren Kyle, Kaitlyn, Adam, and Nicole, great granddaughter Carter and his sister Donna, a large family of cousins, nieces, and nephews and so many dear friends.  In lieu of flowers, pour yourselves a shot of tequila, raise it and smile.  Here’s to you, Jerry!

Please stop by the online memory page to leave a note, stories, and pictures to share with Jerry’s family and friends:  https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/HErtdetD

Donations in Jerry’s honor may be mailed to the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association (SVFA), at 630 2nd Street W, Sonoma, CA 95476.

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