Robert Earl Sheppard

Robert Earl “Bob” Sheppard, passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday January 7th 2024. Bob was born into a family of three children on March 19th 1941 in Delhi, LA to Willie Mae Smith Sheppard and Woodroe Clark Sheppard.

He attended school in Delhi, LA from elementary through high school. In high school, he was Senior Class President and an outstanding football player. He always said he was #25 on the field and #1 in your heart. While attending Northwestern
State College he worked repairing small motors at his father’s service station on weekends. After college graduation he worked for Baroid Oil Company as a Mud Engineer. Later, he decided to go into business, thus being B&B Appliance Repair was born.

Soon after opening his business, he became a school bus driver for Natchitoches parish schools, which he later retired from. He was a member of the Jaycees, held office and participated in many projects and was involved in the cattle and real estate business.

In his spare time, he was an avid fisherman and participated in numerous bass tournaments. His jovial spirit and love for people helped him along the way especially with the children who rode Mr. Bob’s bus. His bus was #1.

Bob was a kind soul with a loving and fun spirit. All of Natchitoches will truly miss Bob.

He is survived by his wife Diana Bruce Sheppard of Natchitoches, LA, daughter Rachel D’Ann Sheppard of Lafayette, LA, Sister Bobby Nell Paulette of Delhi, LA, step daughter Michelle Sandifer and husband Robin along with step grandchildren Sydney, Kate and Chad Sandifer all of Tucson, AZ, a niece Hope Sheppard Mills of Lake Providence, LA and a nephew Richard “Ricky” Carl Sheppard of Hot Springs, AR.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, Brother Woody Gene Sheppard, Son Mark Edward Sheppard and Twin Grandsons, Israel and Isaiah Vinson.

A memorial service to honor Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.