Clinton Shepperd ... former Dover Police Officer; at 93

DOVER - Clinton Paul Shepperd, age 93, passed peacefully at home on January 5, 2026, the day after his beloved wife Rita passed, surrounded by family.

Clinton grew up on a farm in Fayette, Iowa, with his parents, Myron and Velma Shepperd, and his six sisters, Galen, Marge, Fran, Penny, Leona, and Kate. He left the farm at age 18 to join the military and, just a few short years later, he met and married the love of his life, Rita Mary (O'Neill) Shepperd. They recently celebrated 72 years of marriage; a true testament to their deep love and devotion to one another.

Clinton and Rita proudly raised five sons: Bill, Bob, Brian, Jim, and Joe. They also welcomed and embraced each of their son's wives, Terry, Penny and Deb, and former daughters-in-law Donna, Diane and Christine--not as "in-laws," but as daughters. Clinton and Rita were the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Clinton proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force where he had the privilege of traveling to 35 different countries including a year-long tour in Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant, Clinton served his local community as a police officer in Dover, New Hampshire, where he later retired for a second time.

Family and friends meant everything to Clinton. He was a man of personal and professional integrity. He was motivated, organized, and hardworking and he truly enjoyed life. These values were passed on to each of his sons. He taught them how to ride bikes, play volleyball, baseball, basketball, and hockey. He built hockey rinks in the backyard for years where they played many neighborhood games "under the lights". He also taught his sons how to perform basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry tasks, and how to repurpose just about anything. Clinton shared his love of hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, canning his produce, and cooking with his sons as well. He also enjoyed frequent gatherings with family and friends and traveling extensively throughout the United States.

Clinton's favorite phrase was "Life is good" and he said it frequently!