William Shields, 90
William Thomas “Bill” Shields, 90, Red Oak, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at the Life Care Center in Elkhorn, Neb.
Bill was born Feb. 2, 1923, in rural Montgomery County, the son of Fred James and Ruth Ann (Leech) Shields. He graduated from Elliott High School in 1941 and attended Red Oak Junior College and Tarkio College. He started flying in his early college career.
In 1942, Bill entered the United States Army Air Corps serving during WWII until being discharged in 1945. He was a pilot instructor in Lockheed Hudson Airplanes and Load Star Airplanes. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves for many years retiring at the rank of Lt. Col.
Bill married Jean Rogers June 15, 1946, in Ames. He eventually graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. In 1949, Bill and Jean moved to their current farm. Bill farmed, raised livestock and taught agriculture classes at Elliott for many years. He was an advocate, helping veterans going back to school after the war and served as a liaison for numerous years to the Air Force Academy.
Bill was a longtime active member of the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church. He had a love of flying and even had his own runway at the farm. Bill enjoyed traveling, camping, music, singing, theater, playing cards and animals especially his cats. Bill was a volunteer for Planned Parenthood, was a member of the Montgomery County History Center and enjoyed being a part of the Wilson Performing Arts Center.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Jean Shields Oct. 12, 2008; and sister, Marilyn Jackson.
Survivors include his children, David Shields and wife Linda of Sioux Falls, S.D., Charlotte Shields of Omaha and Ava Dorrance and husband Dan of Red Oak; grandchildren, Steven Shields of Sioux Falls, Susan Halvorson and husband Adam of Sioux Falls and Robin Vovolka and wife Brittany of Omaha; a brother-in-law, Ralph Jackson of Red Oak; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Rogers of Onalaska, Wisc.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dr. J. Keith Cook officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.