Clarence "Sandy" Shepherd

Pastor Clarence “Sandy” Shepherd was born on April 11, 1933, in Butler, Oklahoma, to Grover Cleveland Shepherd and Mattie Spencer Shepherd. He departed this life on September 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the faith that guided him throughout his years.

Sandy graduated from Arapaho High School in 1951. On July 12, 1953, he married the love of his life, Pauline Joyce Hubbart, in Butler, Oklahoma. Together they shared a devoted marriage that was a testament to faith, commitment, and love.

Answering God's call upon his life, Sandy began his pastoral ministry in April 1955 at Pleasant Valley Free Will Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for two and a half years. He then pastored Clinton Free Will Baptist Church for 22 years before continuing his ministry at Antioch Free Will Baptist Church, where he served for 31 years. Throughout his years of ministry, Pastor Shepherd faithfully proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, preaching approximately 6,000 sermons and touching countless lives through his dedication to the Lord and His people.

His commitment to the work of God's Kingdom extended beyond the local church. He was an active member of the Free Will Baptist Association, served on the State Executive Board for 31 years, chaired the Executive Board for 20 years, and faithfully served as Director of the Union Association Youth Camp for 20 years. Through these ministries, he helped mentor generations of pastors, young people, and church leaders.

Sandy enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing dominoes, and attending Arapaho-Butler school sporting events. Whether in the pulpit, at the campgrounds, or cheering on local athletes, he was known for his warm spirit, unwavering faith, and genuine love for others.

Above all, Sandy loved the Lord and dedicated his life to sharing the message of salvation. His legacy is one of faithful service, steadfast devotion, and a deep trust in God's promises. While his presence on earth will be greatly missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover Cleveland Shepherd and Mattie "Spencer" Shepherd; his brothers and sisters, Jim Shepherd, Dorothy Goodall, Lorene Paris, Essie Roush, Carl Shepherd, Roy Shepherd, R.B. Shepherd, and Maxine Adams.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pauline Shepherd, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion; his son, Chris Shepherd and wife, Kim, of Lookeba, Oklahoma; and his daughter, Sandra Baldwin and husband, Rusty, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Colby Shepherd; Kara Dougherty and husband, Ryan; Lance Baldwin and wife, Olivia; and Kayla McIntosh and husband, Tyler. His legacy continues through five treasured great-grandchildren, Blakely, Eden, Rosalia, Margo, and Mateo, as well as an expected great-grandson, Rykar. In addition, he is survived by numerous extended family members, dear friends, fellow church members, and the countless lives he touched and blessed through his faithful ministry and servant’s heart.

The Shepherd family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Sharon Thompson for her loving care and support, and to Shepherd Home Health and Hospice for their compassion and assistance.

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2 (KJV)