Christopher "Chris" Franklin Sheppard was born on October 17, 1963, in Dinuba, California, to Richard Franklin and Rose Marie Sheppard. Chris passed away on November 30, 2024, in Pahrump, Nevada, after a valiant four-year battle with cancer.
Chris joined the United States Air Force at 17 and dedicated over 26 years of service as a Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) Airman, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in February 2008. He served 8 years plus of foreign service. He continued his dedication to service with the Defense Logistics Agency until his second retirement in October 2018.
Chris received multiple commendations to include Meritorious Service Medal with 6 Oak leaf clusters; Airforce Commendation Medal; AF achievement medal with 1 Oakleaf cluster; AF outstanding unit award with 8 Oakleaf clusters; AF Good Conduct Medal with 8 Oakleaf cluster; National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oakleaf cluster; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal/ Global War on Terrorism; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal/ Gulf War Service Medal; AF Overseas Ribbon Short; AF Overseas Ribbon Long with 2 Oak leaf clusters; AF Longevity with 5 Oak leaf clusters; USAF NCO PME Graduation with 2 Oakleaf clusters; Small arms Expert Marksman Ribbon ( Rifle); AF Training Ribbon.
He also contributed to High School and Post Vietnam Era Veteran assistance programs. He enjoyed RVing across the United States, motorcycling, going for long walks, and playfully teasing the family dog, Monster.
Above all, Chris cherished his wife Petra and his children, Joshua and Jamie. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Petra; his children, Joshua F. Sheppard and his significant other Tracy Salazar, and Jamie S. Rios and her husband Cisco Rios; and his six grandchildren, Andrew, Cisco Jr., Chloe, Isaac, Elijah, and Zoe. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Franklin Sheppard.
The family requests donations to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona for cancer research in lieu of flowers. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Wood Family Funeral Service for handling the arrangements. A funeral service will be held on December 16, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, Arvin, CA.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 16 DECEMBER 20241245: Stage at Wood Family Funeral Service, 321 West F St, Tehachapi, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xkr5c8GxgyJBuk9a61250: Mission briefing.
1300: KSU to Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2SJMY3nwuevdY1y91330: ETA to Bakersfield National Cemetery.
1400: Flag line and military honors.
Jim “Pops” Davis
Tehachapi Area PGR Ride Captain
US Army 1964-1970; Vietnam 1966-1970
Army Ranger Mos 63B20& 63C20
Tehachapi Area PGR Ride Captain
jdavisabajo514@yahoo.com
(661) 221-3120You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember,
