Frank Bates Sheppard died on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at his home in Cuero.
He was born in Cuero, Texas, November 21, 1922, to Henry Fassett and Constance Breeden Sheppard.
He attended Cuero schools and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Texas Law School. As a law student he was a research assistant for Dean Charles McCormick and assisted him with the collection of materials for Dean McCormick’s text book on damages. He served in the U.S. army as a private during World War II.
He was admitted to the Texas bar in 1946. He served as Librarian of the Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas upon his graduation from law school.
In 1947 he began practicing law in Cuero and was actively engaged in the practice of law for 66 years. Upon returning to Cuero he practiced with the late Bert Kirk. He became a partner in the law firm of Crain and Sheppard where he retired from practice in 2013.
He served as City Attorney for the City of Cuero for 35 years. He served two terms as the County Attorney for DeWitt County.
He was a member and former director of the Cuero Chamber of Commerce, DeWitt County Community Center, Cuero Fair and Turkey Trot Association, and a founding director of the Cuero Industrial Foundation. Frank was a director of Cuero Federal Savings and Loan, later Trust Texas Bank, for over 40 years. He was a 50-year member and past president of the Cuero Lions Club, 50-year member of the American Legion,Dinter Post No. 3, 50-year member and former Financial Secretary of the Cuero Council Knights of Columbus. Frank was General Chairman of the 1956 Cuero Turkey Trot and Sultan of the 1972 Cuero Centennial Turkey Trot. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Cuero Chamber of Commerce in 1976.
He was a life-long member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church where he served as lector, commentator and Eucharistic Minister. He was a founding Trustee of the St. Michael’s Parish School Endowment Fund and has been a generous supporter of St. Michael’s Catholic School. Frank took great comfort from his faith.
He was a member of the DeWitt County Historical Commission and a life member of the DeWitt County Historical Museum. He was interested in local history and contributed numerous articles to the local press on Cuero and DeWitt County history. He served as Democratic Party Chairman for DeWitt County and was active for many years in democratic politics and he was an especially strong supporter of John F. Kennedy.
Frank was a devoted husband, loving and generous father and a loyal friend to many. Inaddition to practicing law and spending time with his family and friends, Frank enjoyed reading, traveling, history and genealogy.
Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Rosemary Steele Sheppard, by his parents and by his siblings, Jane Fassett Sorell, Robert Breeden Sheppard, Henry Fassett Sheppard, and Joseph Lawrence Sheppard.
Frank is survived by three children, Constance Steele Kirk (Dr. William O. Kirk) of San Antonio; Michael A. Sheppard (Cynthia) of Cuero, and Jennifer Fassett Badger (David) of San Antonio. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Claire Kirk of Auburn, Ala., Caitlin Kirk of Dallas, Ann Kirk of Sewanee. Tenn., Avery Sheppard (Sarah) of Houston, Alexander Sheppard of Denver, Abigail Sheppard of San Antonio, Addison Sheppard of Cuero, Andrew Badger, Erin Badger, and Eleanor Badger, all of San Antonio. He is also survived by his brother John Gillett Sheppard of Rockport.
Serving as pall bearers will be Joseph L. Sheppard, Henry F. Sheppard, Robert Michael Steele, Richard A. Steele, II, Christopher M. Crain, and James K. Crain, III. Honorary pall bearer is his law partner of many years, James K. Crain, II and his surviving brother, John Gillett Sheppard.
The family extends their sincerest thanks to his many caretakers including Lena Jasso, and the staff at Caring Senior Services, including LaTricia, Pauline, Carol, Cynthia, and Jon Quil.
Visitation will be at Freund Funeral Home beginning at 5:30 Tuesday evening, June 10, 2014, followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday June 11, 2014, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic School Endowment Fund, 309 E. Church St., Cuero, Texas 77954, or to the charity of donor’s choice.
You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.
Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.
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