Henry “Hank” J. Sheppard was born on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, LA, on March 1, 1949. He was raised by his loving grandmother in St. Bernard Parish until her passing in 1965 and then graduated from Chalmette High School in 1967.

Henry married his high school sweetheart, Susan “Sue” Roques, in December of 1967. Shortly after, Henry joined the Coast Guard and was stationed in Mobile, AL, where he served his country proudly for four years.

Following his service in the Coast Guard, Henry returned to Chalmette to work and eventually landed at the Domino Sugar Refinery where he spent 17 years. Henry built life-long friendships with his co-workers, and they have fondly remembered him throughout the years even long after his time at the refinery was done.

Henry and Sue welcomed one daughter and one son during the course of their 58-years of marriage. They lived in several areas of “The Parish” while beginning their lives together including treasured years with friends and family on Tara St., First St., and Second St.

Henry and Sue relocated to their country hideaway in Picayune, MS, in 1996, although they never forgot their St. Bernard roots. They found companionship with their very cherished pets through the years and had a special fondness for their labs and dachshunds Drake, Teal, Oscar, Myah, and Wenah.

Henry was an avid hunter and fisherman and considered himself most at peace when he was outdoors enjoying nature. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he enjoyed gardening, working in his yard, and working in his shop. He was also a lifelong, die-hard LSU and Saints fan (even when the Saints were the “Aints”--- paper bag and all.)

Henry is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 58 years, Sue Sheppard, his daughter Tonya Lambert (Bobby,) son Jason Sheppard (Mollie,) grandkids Kaleb Lambert (Paige,) Callie Lambert (Michael Terry,) Daxton Sheppard, Tyler Sheppard, and Travis Sheppard, and great-grandchild Valentina Lambert. He is also survived by his nephews Alan Wilson (Dana) and Brian Wilson (Jenn,) and great-nieces and -nephews Kate Hill (Josh) and Ethan Wilson, as well as dear friends and neighbors Ryan and Katie Taylor. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Marie Tassin, mother Angelina Maria Miorano Sheppard, mother-in-law Arthenese “Ann” Trosclair Roques Donnelly, sister Sandra Sheppard, granddaughter Aubrie Sheppard, and grandson Connor Lambert.

Following a long, hard battle with various illnesses, Henry passed on July 14, 2026, at his home with his loving wife and caretaker at his side. Henry’s close family said their final goodbyes to him on July 17, 2026, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Picayune, MS. His ashes will be spread across the land and water he felt most connected with along with adored family members who have passed before him.His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Heart of Hospice ---especially Mary Beth, Jasmoine, Theresa, Shanelle, and other supporting staff for their care and support.