Don, who served in Normandy and at Arnhem, died at Basildon Hospital on Saturday morning from pneumonia.

His family said he put up a brave fight but he has died peacefully.

Don’s daughter Jo O’Brien said: “He is at peace now but in our hearts forever.

“We are all devastated of course, but we want to try to celebrate dad’s life now. He gave us so much and we loved him more than words can say.”

Hero - Don Sheppard (Image: PA)

Don, a father, grandfather and great grandfather, was surrounded by his family in his final days and hours.

Even up to the day before he died, people visiting patients on the same ward were going up to his bed and asking to shake his hand.

Tributes across south Essex poured in yesterday evening after the heartbreaking news of his death.

Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon, who served as MP from 1997 to 2010, said: “He took joy in every moment. Don made you want to be better at what you did to make him proud of you.

“I still have the pendant from the Normandy celebrations that he gave me, that is something I have kept and treasured for many years.”

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