Eugene E. Shields

Eugene E. Shields

Exeter - Gene celebrated his 98th birthday on January 20. On February 1, after a brief illness, he passed peacefully at home.

He was born in Mountain Grove, MO, one of five children. After graduation from high school, he served in World War 11 as a control tower operator. While stationed in Watertown, SD, he met Shirley Lindgren who worked at the Air Base. They were married April 10, 1943 and celebrated 72 years together. During Gene's service in Okinawa, he rose to the rank of tech sergeant. After the war, they settled in Lincoln, NE, where he played football for the University of Nebraska and earned his teaching credential in 1950. He remained a lifelong Cornhusker fan. His first teaching job was in Plattsmouth, NE. In 1954, they moved with their three daughters to Exeter, CA, where their son Scott was born five years later. Raising his family in Exeter was a source of pride to him. Gene taught and coached for 32 years at Exeter Union High School. He coached football, basketball, and track. He served as the starter for swim meets for years as well as volunteering in the announcer booth for home football games. Many students have expressed fond memories of him as their driver training instructor. He loved visiting with former students about their lives, families, and memories of EUHS. Gene was a role model for his family by living a life of service. He and Shirley sang in the Exeter Presbyterian Church choir where he also served as superintendent of Sunday School. Gene was very active in Exeter Lions Club and served as president. He enjoyed singing in the Lions Club Frolics for many years. After retirement in 1986, he served as an active volunteer with the Visalia Senior Gleaners until the age of 96. He was a lifetime member of Visalia Elks Lodge and enjoyed spending time with many "good buddies" there. Gene was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. Celebrating the Rams victory to return to the Super Bowl was his best 98th birthday present.

Gene leaves three daughters, Cathy Lovell (Doyce) of Visalia; Becky Callaway (Jeff) of Lake Arrowhead; Wendy Simpson (Stan) of Visalia; and son Scott Shields of Bakersfield; grandchildren Chelsea Lovell Shaw, Justin Lovell (Natalie), Nick Shields, Kim Callaway (Mark), Gina Nowick; great granddaughters Taylor Shaw, Lexa and Haven Lovell. The entire family shares sentiments expressed by grandson Justin: "You were an inspiration to us ... an entertainer, provider, supporter, and giver. We'll never forget your sage advice — don't take any wooden nickels."

The family thanks Kaweah Delta Medical Center staff and Kaweah Delta Hospice for their care and compassion. A special thanks to Drs. Gerges, Bertolucci, and Aditya Verma for appreciating Gene's sense of humor and tolerating his Missouri stubbornness.

A military tribute followed by a celebration of life luncheon will be held at the Visalia Elks Lodge on Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to California Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc., payable to CHEMPI, 5450 E Lamona Ave, Fresno, 93727. This charity was important to Gene because of his compassion and concern for children with medical and special needs.

Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Condolences may be made at www.smithfamilychapel.com.