09/24/2026
Donald Richard Peppard, known to most simply as Don, passed away on September 17, 2026, after a long life of service to his family, country, and community
Donald Richard Peppard was born in Waverly, New York on May 24, 1937. He joined the Navy directly out of High School in 1955 where he served as an administrator for the Cryptologic Technicians.
He was assigned to the USS Pueblo in 1967 as part of a mission along the North Korean coast where his ship was attacked and captured. He was held captive alongside 82 other crew members in North Korea for eleven months, from January 23 to December 23, 1968. He arrived home on December 24, 1968. He was awarded a Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation medal with “V” for Valor, and a Prisoner of War Medal.
Don had three daughters, Sonja, Patricia, and Becky. He married Irene on December 20, 1971.
Don joined the El Paso Five Points Loins Club in 1985 where he served in numerous board positions. In 1996-1997, Lion Don served as District Governor for District 2-T3. He went on to serve as Council Chair for District 2-T3 in 2009-2010. PCC Don continued to serve his club, El Paso Five Points and District 2-T3 until 2015 when he moved to Kerrville. PCC Don moved his membership to the Kerrville Host Lions Club where he continued to serve as club treasurer and as tail-twister.
PCC Donald Peppard passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Kerrville. He is survived by his wife Irene, and daughters Sonja and Becky.