William Byron "Bill" Shields

William Byron “Bill” Shields, age 94, of Wellsville, Kansas passed away Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Advent of Ottawa following a brief illness. Graveside services will be 10:30AM, Friday, April 15, 2022 at the Wellsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wellsville City Library in care of Wilson’s, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092.

William Byron “Bill” Shields was born June 16, 1927 in Wellsville, KS, the son of Harry Taylor and Ethel Adeline (Clay) Shields. Bill grew up in Wellsville with his brothers, Ed and Jim, and helped work the family farm during the very difficult days brought on by the Great Depression.

After graduating from Wellsville High School in 1945, Bill was drafted into the United States Navy. He went on to proudly serve his country for the next 22 years.

On June 1, 1950, Bill married Patricia Anne “Patsy” Turner, the daughter of Elma and Thelma Turner of Wellsville. Together they raised two sons and a daughter: Allen and the twins, Lyle and Lynda. In June of last year, Bill and Patsy celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary.

In 1966, Bill retired from the U.S. Navy and began several new careers. He was successful at all he endeavored and was known by all as an excellent “Jack of all trades”, even though he considered himself a “master of none”.

Bill loved his family dearly and was a positive mentor, especially to his grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors and even at the age of 93, could still be seen working in his garden and mowing his yard.

Throughout his life, Bill loved to visit, never meeting a stranger. He always went out of his way to help others. He will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife of the home, Patsy Shields; daughter and son-in-law, Lynda and Jim Keesling of Hot Springs Village, AR; daughter-in-law, Vada Shields of Henryville, IN; granddaughter, Melinda Sudweeks and her husband Tim of Brooklyn, NY; grandson, Matthew Shields and his wife Angela of Henryville, IN; granddaughter, Erika Given and her husband Shawn of Shawnee, KS; grandson, William Shields of Oregon; 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-granddaughter.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jim, sons, Allen and Lyle and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Shields.

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