He was born Oct. 2, 1929, in Lewisville, Idaho, to John Archie Sheppard and Mabel Casper Sheppard. He grew up in Lewisville, Idaho and graduated from Midway High School in 1947.

On June 9, 1950, he married Frances (Fran) M. Williams in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on January 16, 1951.

He was the manager of the Chevron station at Park and C Streets in Idaho Falls for a number of years and later farmed in Othello, Washington and in Rigby and Lewisville, Idaho. He was the shop foreman at Smith Chevrolet for five years. From 1969 to 1986, he owned and operated his own business, Rex Sheppard Company, specializing in residential and commercial lawn sprinkler systems. He and his wife moved to Centerville, Utah, where he was the manager of the Pheasantbrook Condominium Complex. Following his retirement, they moved back to Ammon.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a counselor in the Bishopric, High Priest group leader, Young Men's president, Scoutmaster, and Young Men's advisor. From 1986-1987, he and his wife served a mission to the Washington Seattle mission. They later served as officiators in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

He was a member of the Ammon Trail Riders Snowmobile Club and Lions Club.

He enjoyed camping, boating, traveling in his motor home, working on cars and engines, snowmobiling, and spending time with friends. He especially enjoyed playing games and watching funny movies with his grandchildren.

Rex loved working hard and selflessly shared his talent for mechanical things with family, neighbors, friends and even strangers whose cars, boats, snowmobiles, RV's and even lawnmowers always ran a little better after he worked on them.

He is survived by the following: wife, Fran W. Sheppard of Ammon, ID son, Mark Wayne (Valerie) Sheppard of Oregon City, OR son, Bradley Rex (Carol) Sheppard of Kaysville, UT daughter, Carol M. Sheppard Montgomery of Bountiful, UT son, Kenneth John (Jill) Sheppard of St. George, UT 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren brother, Gail (Margene) Sheppard of Annis, ID brother, Clint (Janice) Sheppard of Pocatello, ID brother, Glen (Quina) Sheppard of Bloomington, UT brother, John (Judy) Sheppard of Idaho Falls, ID

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters: Shirley Newton, Goldie Kynaston, and Barbara Gledhill.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Ammon LDS 15th Ward Chapel, 3934 E. 49th S., with Bishop Brett Acor officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening from 6-7:30- p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, and Thursday one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.