Edward A. Sheppard, age 78, of New Carlisle, OH passed away on January 26, 2025 at StoryPoint Troy after battling Alzheimer's for several years.  The son of the late Phyllis A. (Mapes) Sheppard and Edward B. Sheppard, Ed was born on April 17, 1946 in Columbus, OH and grew up in Lancaster, OH.  He was a resident of Granville, OH for 25 years before moving to the Dayton area.

Following high school, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Ohio University.  A man of deep faith and a commitment to service, Ed put his ambition to work through a career helping others in the hearing care industry.  He was a member of the Hearing Healthcare Alliance, served on the Ohio State Licensing Board, and was a founder and CEO of Avada Audiology and Hearing Care, operating several hundred facilities across the country.  Beyond his profession, he was a member and past district governor of the service organization, Lions Clubs International.

He was often on the road and had an adventurous spirit.  Although his diverse business interests took him across the country, he spent most of his time traversing Ohio, cultivating countless partnerships and making friends wherever he went.  Whether in his professional capacity or his personal travels, he loved connecting with people.  He had a personality to fill any room, and a heart to love all who crossed his path.  For the many who were fortunate to come into Ed's orbit, he made meaningful connections and impressed everyone with his genuine spirit and selfless manner.

Ed's love for football was infectious, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.  He was a life-long fan of Ohio State Football and gave generously to the university for nearly 50 years.  The joy on his face as he pulled into the parking lot of The Shoe on a fall Saturday was unmistakable, radiating his boundless enthusiasm for game day.  He cherished introducing people to their first Ohio State game, lighting up as they experienced the pageantry and excitement of Buckeye football.  Ed and his wife, Jane, hosted legendary tailgates that became the hallmark of their weekends in Columbus.  Their generosity knew no bounds – family, friends, friends of friends, everyone was welcome.  They created an extraordinary community, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared love of the game.

Ed was a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was the happiness he shared with his large family, whom he loved fiercely.  His memory will live on in the love, laughter, and values he instilled.  Ed is survived by his wife: Jane Karafit; his children: Blake (Erin) Sheppard of Chevy Chase, MD, Erika (Brian) O'Hora of Malahide, Ireland, and Trevor (Taylor) Luth of New Carlisle, OH; grandchildren: Rory, Charlotte, and Oisin; sister: Carolyn (Dave) Faught of Pataskala, OH and brother: Terry (Karen) Sheppard of Millersport, OH; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife: Diane Sheppard and sister: Dianna Garcia.

The family is forever grateful to the Staff of StoryPoint Troy and Day City Hospice, who provided loving care to Ed during his final months.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00-8:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025, with a service to follow at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Day City Hospice or Lions Clubs International.  Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Day City Hospice
7601 Paragon Road, Suite 203, Dayton OH 45459
Web: https://daycityhospice.com/

Lions Club International
300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook IL 60523-8842
Tel: 1-630-571-5466