Richard E “Dick” Shepard
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Richard E “Dick” Shepard passed away on Sept 3, 2026, he was born June 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Cleadis and Celia Shepard. He grew up in the Raytown area and graduated from Raytown High School in 1963.
Dick’s entrepreneurial spirit began early. While still in high school, he began building cabinets in the family barn. After graduation he opened his own cabinet shop in the Raytown area. Dick owned and operated Towncraft Wood Products for nearly 50 years before retiring in 2012.
When Dick married Connie, it was the beginning of more than three decades of a life together. Dick was a private pilot, and many hours were spent traveling through the country but one of his favorite destinations was always the Lake of the Ozarks, where he and Connie had a home for more than 20 years. The lake became a gathering place for family and friends, with weekends and summer vacations spent boating, skiing, fishing and simply enjoying time together. Some of his happiest days were spent with a fishing pole in hand, surrounded by good friends and the people he loved.
Retirement gave Dick and Connie even more time to travel together. They spent time in Florida, Arizona and visited many National Parks. Dick always made time for his annual fishing trips.
Above all, family was at the heart of Dick’s life. He was surrounded by a large extended family of siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The relationships he built throughout his life, both with family and with friends who became like family, meant so much to him.
In 2020, Dick was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, beginning a difficult new chapter for him and those who loved him. Family and friends surrounded him with love and support, and remained a source of companionship and comfort through his final years.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Shepard; siblings Margaret Cusumano, Tom (Candee) Shepard, Ellie (Mark) Mandelbaum, Patti (Tom) Halsch, Cathy (Doug) Martin, and Rita (Randy) Rogers; children Tim Shepard, Cheryl Dobbins and Todd Dobbins; grandchildren Valerie (Dereck) Lewis and Tyler Dobbins; great-grandchildren Addyson and Asher Lewis; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dick lived a full and remarkable life. From building cabinets in a family barn to creating a successful business that spanned nearly five decades, from countless hours in the air to days spent on the water, he worked hard and made the most of the life he was given. He traveled, explored, fished and flew. He built friendships that lasted a lifetime and a family that loved him deeply. He will be greatly missed.
Dick’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends and loved ones who surrounded him throughout the years and especially during his illness. They are also deeply grateful for the hospice nurses who cared for Dick with such kindness, dignity and compassion during his final chapter. Their care and support will never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 19th 2026 from 1:00-4:00pm at Lakewood Clubhouse- 651 NW St Andrews Cir Lees Summit MO.
Dick will be missed! I have many fond memories of him. One of which is when he opened his shop on a Saturday morning to help my boys build their pinewood derby cars for cub scouts. Massive industrial equipment for those little pieces of pine. My kids will have that memory for many years to come!
So many wonderful memories of Dick and his wonderful Family as a Neighbor for many years. He will be missed dearly. We think of him every time we look at our Cabinets he put in our home. Rest well, we love you.