Patrick Shields

Patrick H. Shields, age 86, passed away in his home with his wife, Lib, by his side along with very special friends, Shawn Justiss and Dorothy Minor.

Pat was born January 17, 1924, in Wingate, Texas, to Mr. and Mrs. J. Shields. He graduated from Wingate High School in 1942. In 1942, he volunteered to serve his country and joined the Navy. Having served in the Pacific and Atlantic areas, he was honorably discharged in 1945 after receiving the rank of Seaman 1st Class. He served on several ships including the U.S.S. Bataan and the LaGear.

He returned to Wingate where he and a special friend, the late E.J. Bishop, opened a caf called The Green Fly. Shortly after that, he began a 33 year career as an inspector with the Texas Department of Transportation, retiring in 1977.

In May of 1952, Pat married Elizabeth Lib Adams in Colorado City, Texas. While in Colorado City, Pat was Scout Master of Troop 22 for 6 years. Upon being transferred to Howard County, they made their home in Coahoma, Texas where Pat was active in First Baptist Church, Boy Scouts, and metal work. He enjoyed farming and ranching at his farm in Cross Plains, Texas, after moving to Abilene in 1977 to be near the farm.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Abilene. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid baseball player and fisherman. He also enjoyed playing dominoes with friends.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents two brothers, Eugene and Leon and by two sisters, Ruth and Lillie Mae.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth, his boy Shawn Justiss and the kids Britt and Kayla Justiss, his sister Lanell Reynolds and husband Troy, brotherinlaw John T. Adams and wife Betty Sue Adams, several nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Graveside services, officiated by Gary Cotter and Mike Cotter, will be held Saturday, February 6th, at 3:00 at Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of Memories. Visitation will be Friday, February 5th from 5:00 until 6:00 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy. 277 South.

Special thanks to Hendrick Hospice Care Center, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 where memorials may be made.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, February 5, 2010
5 7 PM

Service

Graveside Service

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, February 6, 2010
3:00 PM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

http://www.epartnersingiving.com/patrickhenryshields
PO Box 1922
Abilene, TX  79604