Retired engineer Ralph Shepard dies; rites held

RALPH I. SHEPARD,  a mechanical engineer who rose to the presidency of Taylor-Seidenbach, Inc., a successful local company specializing in insulation and a leading fabricator of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) insulation for commercial and light industrial projects, passed away on Thursday, December 8. He was 94.

Shepard began his work at the company following his service in the U.S. Army during World War II as a an Army Engineer captain in the Phillipines. At the time of his retirement as president, he had two of his sons able to continue his direction for the business

Born in Oakdale, Louisiana, he graduated from LSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering prior to his commission in the service.

Shepard was a sports enthusiast and was a devoted fan to LSU football. He particularly loved listening to Tiger football games over the radio. He was also an avid tennis player, who played the sport regularly until the last decade.

Shepard served on the board of Touro Synagogue and had a term as president of the Touro Brotherhood. In addition, he served as president of the Dad’s Club at Isidore Newman School.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois Shepard, and sons Robert, Louis (Dana) and Hal Shepard (Kathy) as well as six grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at Hebrew Rest Cemetery II on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 12:00 noon. Rabbi Alexis Berk officiated.

Donations can be made to Touro Synagogue or the charity of your choice. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online and for more information, call 504-835-2341.