WAYNE COUNTY—For more than four decades, public service has been a defining theme in Mark Sheppard's life.
Whether serving in the United States Marine Corps, representing residents as a village council member, acting mayor, Wayne County Commissioner, or leading environmental services at the Wayne County Care Center, Sheppard said each role shared a common purpose — serving others.
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That career of service came full circle recently as the current Wayne County Board of Commissioners honored Sheppard with a proclamation recognizing his retirement after 23 years as environmental services director at the Wayne County Care Center and more than 31 years in public service.
Commissioner Matt Martin said Sheppard's career reflects a lifelong commitment to Wayne County.
"Mark has devoted his life to serving others, whether it was in the Marine Corps, on West Salem Village Council, as a county commissioner, or caring for residents at the Wayne County Care Center," Martin said. "His leadership was steady, thoughtful, and always focused on doing what was best for the people of Wayne County. We are grateful for everything he has given to this community and wish him nothing but the best in retirement."
A West Salem native and 1980 Northwestern High School graduate, Sheppard began his public service in 1983 when he was elected to the West Salem Village Council. During his nine years on council, he served as council president and later stepped in as acting mayor for approximately seven months after the sitting mayor experienced medical issues.His service to the community was matched by his service to the nation.
Sheppard served eight years in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve. During Operation Desert Storm, his reserve unit was activated, and he served a six-month deployment to North Carolina before receiving an honorable discharge in 1996.
In 1994, Sheppard successfully sought election to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners because he believed the county faced important challenges that needed attention.
"There were just a lot of things going on in the county at that time that I thought I would be able to help with," Sheppard said.
He went on to serve two four-year terms as commissioner during what he describes as an especially eventful period in county government.
Among the largest projects were the expansion of U.S. Route 30 into the four-lane highway residents know today, development of the county's comprehensive plan, restoration of the historic Wayne County Courthouse, construction of the Wayne County Municipal Court building, and addressing jail overcrowding. Many of those efforts generated spirited public debate.
"There were a lot of people that didn't like that," Sheppard recalled of the Route 30 project. "When I drive by it now, I kind of laugh because all of the growth people feared never really happened."
Following his years as commissioner, Sheppard joined the Wayne County Care Center in 2003, where he found another opportunity to serve.
Although his title was environmental services director, his responsibilities extended well beyond administration. In recent years, he worked with his housekeeping and laundry staff while overseeing the department's day-to-day operations.
"I've pretty much spent my life serving people," Sheppard said. "When I was commissioner, I served the public. Before that, I served in the Marines. Even my private-sector jobs were serving customers. Coming here was another opportunity to do that."
Deciding to retire was not easy because he genuinely enjoyed his work.
Ultimately, however, watching friends and former colleagues pass away before fully enjoying retirement helped shape his decision.
"I don't want to be one of those people who works too long and then can't enjoy retirement," Sheppard said. "At 65, I want to go out and enjoy life a little bit."
Retirement will include traveling throughout Ohio and the United States with plans to visit places such as Mount Rushmore, Little Bighorn, and historic battlefields.
"There is still so much to see," he said.
Sheppard never defined his career by titles, but by a consistent commitment to serving his community and country.
He served as commissioner alongside the late Chery Noah and the late Fred Cannon.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Mark Sheppard retires after 31 years of service to the community