It is with heavy hearts and rejoicing that we announce the passing of Donald Richard Peppard, Chief Petty Officer Ret. Navy, who passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at the age of 89, in Kerrville, TX.
Donald was born on May 24, 1937, in Waverly, New York to Donald Wayne and Mary Alice Peppard. Immediately after graduating high school in 1955, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy. After completing basic training in Bainbridge, Maryland, he became an administrator for a team of cryptologic technicians.
On January 23, 1968, he and other crewmembers of the USS Pueblo were taken captive by North Korea. They were held in internment camps outside of Pyongyang. He faced the threat of execution after his interrogation, all the while referring to himself as a typewriter, a/k/a half truth. Since then, he had the wit and wherewithal to protect and defend. Upon his release from imprisonment on December 23, 1968, he was delighted to enjoy a ham and cheese sandwich with a bowl of chicken noodle soup.
He returned to San Diego December 24th, later serving in the Seattle, Washington, Philippines and Washington, D.C.
December 20, 1971, he married and devoted the rest of his life to Irene Barela Peppard. After traveling the world and serving 22 years active duty, he decided retirement on May 24, 1977. They settled in El Paso, Texas. Retirement did not slow him down. January 1981, he went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting from the El Paso Community College and started his own successful bookkeeping service for many private individuals and businesses in El Paso. All the while becoming more and more active with the Lions Club. He was so proud to serve as Governor and Council Chairman. By 2015 he and Irene made a wise choice to relocate to Kerrville. They remained active and involved, health permitting. He so loved this community.
Donald is survived by his beloved, Irene of almost 55 years; two daughters, Becky Peppard and Sonya (Tim) Peppard; three grandchildren, Marshall LaComb, Jordan LaComb-Dew and Krista Yusi; four great grandchildren, Paisley Yusi, Calvin LaComb, Emmett Yusi, and Eliana Ann Yusi; two sisters, Carolyn Sutterfield and Joyce Brown; many nieces, nephews, friends and survivors of USS Pueblo.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Wayne and Mary Alice; and one daughter, Patricia Ann LaComb.
Visitation scheduled from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels.
Services scheduled at 10 AM, Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, with burial following at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
A reception will be immediately after the service, venue to be announced.
Irene wishes to express her profound gratitude to Peterson Regional Medical Center hospital, 3rd floor ICU, all staff for their care and support.