Richard Lloyd McClellan

Richard Lloyd McClellan, 97, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

He was born on September 29, 1928, in Danville, Kansas, the son of Oscar and Carrie (Hebbard) McClellan. He graduated from Wellington High School and furthered his education at Abilene Christian College.

He married Judith A. Whiffen Shepard on April 4, 1968, in Topeka, KS. They enjoyed family, church, and building their Topeka home together, and they have provided a loving home (or “Shangri-La pet resort”) for many rescue dogs and cats throughout their marriage.

Richard was a career railroader with over 35 years at the Santa Fe Railroad in various cities and positions, serving notably as a Claims Administrator. After retirement he served as a consultant for the Kansas City Terminal Railroad.

He was a member of the Northside Church of Christ, of Topeka where he also served as Bible class teacher, song leader, and part-time preacher. He has decades of service as a preacher for rural Kansas Churches of Christ in the Wilmington, Harveyville and Ottawa communities. Richard also regularly preached the Gospel under Northside’s prison ministries.

Spanning his entire lifetime, it is rare to find a picture of Richard without dogs or cats in his arms or without cars, motorcycles, 4-wheelers, or tractors in the background. He regularly cycled or 4-wheeled in the Rockies on yearly family adventures well into

his late 80s. He developed superior professional skills in body work and painting and had a passion for restoring classic vehicles. Many a wrecked vehicle from family and friends found its way to his shops to be restored to better-than-new conditions. Richard set the example, taught, and inspired a hard work ethic in his children which has continued through subsequent generations. Most importantly he has heeded the call to spread the Gospel over a long, well-lived life.

Richard leaves behind his wife, Judith McClellan; children, Ruth Ann (Roger) Dreyer, Jack (Mary) McClellan, Rodger (Cynthia) Shepard and Rita Craig; 12 grandchildren, Josie (Jeffrey) Elliott, Lindsey Wagers, Tyler (Rachel) McClellan, David (Alix) Robinson, Aaron Craig, Christopher Shepard, Jennifer (Aaron) Endsley, Rachel (Blake) Koger, Chelsie Shepard, Adam (Julie) Shepard, Dustin (Sherrill) Shepard, and Kelsie (Ryan) Myers; and 33 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Shepard; his parents and brother, Howard McClellan, and his great grandson Sawyer Wagers.

The family kindly requests no flowers and suggests that any memorial contributions be made to one of Richard’s favorite Gospel spreading entities:

In Search of the Lord’s Way

Post Office Box 371

Edmond, OK 73083-9901 https://searchtv.org/formmemorialhonor.html

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at Northside Church of Christ in Topeka on Saturday, September 19, at 11:30 a.m. and the fellowship meal following.

To share a memory of Richard or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.