With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Donny Gene Sheppard, Jr., age 71, of Cypress, Texas who was called home to Heaven on September 17th. He was born September 27th, 1953, in Monahans, Texas to Donny Sheppard, Sr. and Jerry (Wright) Sheppard.

Don was a beloved father to three children; Kelley, Sarrah, and Ross, and a proud grandfather to two grandchildren; Vivienne and Luke. His joyful laughter, witty sense of humor, and zest for life was one-of-a-kind and brought immense happiness to family and friends. Don was a graduate of Permian High School in Odessa, Texas. He received a band scholarship to play saxophone at Odessa College where he obtained his associate's degree in mathematics. Don continued his studies at Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) where he completed his bachelor's and master's degree in geology. He loved music and played several instruments and was a skilled athlete in swimming and rugby.

Don married Brenda (Neyland) Sheppard in 1987 after meeting at Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana. They had three children and lovingly devoted their lives to raising them together. Don's passion for studying and exploring the natural world fueled his fulfilling career as a geologist in oil and gas with Exxon, U.S. Geological Survey, and Marathon Oil. He traveled the world and loved to explore the wonder of God's beautiful creation. Known as "Rocky" by his grandchildren, Don was a solid foundation for his family and a source of knowledge, truth, encouragement, and faith in Christ. Whether leading his children on rock and fossil hunts or sharing stories of his global adventures, he instilled the same curiosity, philosophy, and spirituality in his children and grandchildren. Even until the end, he embodied his life mottos of: "Perseverance, Motivation, and Determination; Mind over matter; and Get up one more time than you fall," which will forever define his legacy.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelley (Sheppard) Lambert and Sarrah (Sheppard) Savage; son, Dillon Don Ross Sheppard; former wife, Brenda Sheppard; sons-in-law, L.J. Lambert and Ben Savage; granddaughter, Vivienne Rose Lambert; grandson, Luke Sheppard Lambert; sister, Susan (Sheppard) King; aunt, Jan (Wright) Paape, and many beloved cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Donny Gene Sheppard, Sr.; his mother, Jerry (Wright) Sheppard; and his brother, Randy Joe Sheppard.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, September 25th from 5PM to 8PM at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main Street, Tomball, Texas 77375. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 26th at 2PM at Klein Funeral Home with Pastor Phill Kwon and Pastor Dominick DiCarlo officiating. Interment to follow on Monday, September 29th at 2PM in Jena Cemetery, U.S. 84, Jena, Louisiana 71342.

All friends and family are welcome.

Serving as pallbearers: Dillon Don Ross Sheppard, L.J. Lambert, Ben Savage, Bobby Sheppard, Joe Don Sheppard, Mike Ragan, and Ed Rogers; honorary pallbearers: Luke Lambert.

Thank you to Klein Funeral Home and Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home for coordination of these services.

"Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalms 62:2

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6

To watch the livestream of the Funeral Service, starting at 1:40PM, click here