Bruce Richard Shepps, 74, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully at home after a battle with cancer on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. He was the husband of Patty (Miller) Shepps. They would have celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary this November.

Born in Lebanon, PA, on Aug. 21, 1951, Bruce was a son of the late Roy and Vera (Barnhard) Shepps. He was a 1969 graduate of Lebanon High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 42 years, delivering mail to the Cleona area for many years.

Bruce was first and foremost a man of strong faith, and his faith in God shaped his character and relationship with others. He took great comfort in attending Sunday and Daily Mass at St. Mary’s Church, forging friendships with many parishioners.

He lived a very active lifestyle and enjoyed swimming, hiking, going for walks, and riding his bike, including to and from home, the Post Office, and the YMCA for most of his adult life.

Bruce coached girls’ basketball for over 20 years, including at Lebanon, Cedar Crest, Annville-Cleona, ELCO, Manheim Central, Milton S. Hershey, and the YMCA.  He was also a girls’ basketball referee and a lifeguard at the YMCA.

Bruce also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed vacationing in New England, particularly exploring Acadia National Park in Maine.

In addition to his wife, Bruce is survived by his children, Todd Shepps, Kelly Heberling, Ashley Andrews, wife of Will, Joshua Shepps, Matthew Arnold, husband of Karen, and Michael Arnold; grandchildren, Hannah Arnold, Emma Arnold, Olivia Shepps, Landis Williamson-Andrews, Avery Andrews, and Kyler Andrews; brothers, Dennis, Barry, and Brian Shepps; sister, Nancy Peffley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Floyd Shepps; and grandson, Matthew Shepps.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Thompson Funeral Home Inc., 126 S. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 2 N. 8th St., Lebanon, PA 17046. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.