Robert Lee Sheppard passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming where he had lived for 90 years. He was the son of Ernest M. and Louise D. (Fritz) Sheppard.

Bob was born in Casper, July 19, 1936, and according to his mother, the hottest day of the year.

He attended Jefferson Elementary, Dean Morgan Jr. High, Natrona County High School in Casper and Augustana College (now University) in Sioux Falls, SD where he joined the Air National Guard and was Honorably Discharged in 1962.

His father bought an A&W franchise in 1953 and opened up a Root Beer Stand on the west side of Casper in 1954. He had to put up a fence to keep the CY ranch cows off the property as it was the last business on the west side of town with the ranch just down the hill. When the person he had hired to be the manager had to back out, Ernest asked his son, a senior in high school, if he thought he could do it, and like any cocky 17 year old, Bob said “sure dad”, and the rest is history as they say. For 54 years, Bob could be found from 6 a.m. and sometimes until midnight at the “store”.

He married Helen Esther Willis on January 2, 1965 in Rawlins, Wyoming. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2026. In March of 1971 and 1977, they were blessed when 5 day old babies came into their lives: Eric and Todd. Bob is survived by Eric and Todd, Todd’s wife, Crystal and their children, Garrett and Kembyr and a 3 year old great grandson, Maverick James Sheppard.

Bob’s “hobbies” were many including – racing cars, fast boats, motorcycles, airplanes, building cabinets for stereo components, music (especially Barbershop, attending several of their International conventions), plays at Casper College, taking his grandson to watch the trains, traveling in their motor home with Gene and Pansy Prugh, riding “shotgun” covering over 200,000 miles and making many memories. Also, traveling with “Wyoming Wanderers” camping club, fighting off the pontoon at Alcova Reservoir (Bob loved to take people up Fremont Canyon). Bob was a people person, would give the shirt off his back if needed, expecting nothing in return, he nurtured and advised the many teenagers who worked for him over the years, taking the girls home at night to insure that they got there safely.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Louise and brother Don who died of Hodgkins at the age of 28.

This is a very condensed over view of Bob’s life, his many adventures and life experiences would fill a novel!

Memorials may be made to:

Wyoming BIL Cottey College Continuing Education Fund

P.E.O. Chapter Y 3400 E. 15th Street Casper, WY 82609

Among Friends Adult Day Care

1744 S. Poplar Street Casper, WY 82601

A public visitation will be held at Bustard's Funeral Home on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

A Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church to follow on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.