THE FORMER postmaster at Newton Poppleford Post Office has died, four months after moving to live nearer his son in Hertfordshire.

THE FORMER postmaster at Newton Poppleford Post Office has died, four months after moving to live nearer his son in Hertfordshire.David Shepherd, 84, moved to Fleet with his wife June, 75, in January so they could be closer to son John. Following his death, eldest daughter Judith, 48, paid tribute to Mr Shepherd and asked for his friends in Newton Poppleford and Sidmouth to remember him in their prayers. His funeral will be held on Monday, April 21, at Aldershot Crematorium at 10.30am.Born in Plymouth and educated at Devonport School for Boys, Mr Shepherd joined the police force shortly after leaving school and rose to the rank of chief inspector of the Metropolitan Police Force in London."We hope people in Newton Poppleford fondly remember him as he was postmaster there from 1976 to 1982," said Miss Shepherd.Her parents had lived in the village and Sidmouth area for a total of 32 years and Mr Shepherd was "very much involved" with Exeter Choral Society.For the past 20 years he had suffered from angina which contributed to his death.Mr Shepherd leaves a widow, children Judith, John, 45, and Catherine, 42, and four grandchildren, Emily, Rebecca, Matthew and Hannah.