Evans R. Shields

Evans R. "Russ" Shields Evans R. "Russ" Shields, 86, died Monday, November 16, 2009 at home. Born in Scotland Neck, N.C. in 1923, he was the son of Peter Evans and Ella Mae Shields. Russ is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye Thomas Shields, his sister, Dorothy "Dot" Gregory, son, Thomas Evans (Linne), Lynne Shields (Gavin Perry), Anne Cheesman (Doug), Paige Molder (Steve) and his eleven grandchildren, Sarah and Brian Shields, Drew and Ben Perry, Thomas, William and Phillip Cheesman, Andrew, Joshua, Michael and Kevin Molder. Russ was an officer in the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Alaska during World War II. He received his degree in aeronautical engineering at North Carolina State University. Russ and Faye moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1951. His career with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation spanned 35 years, where he rose to the level of Vice President of Operations of McDonnell Douglas (Australia) PTY, LTD. During his career, he worked on the flight testing programs for the F-4, F-15 and F-18 fighter aircraft. A longtime member of Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in St. Louis County, Russ taught Sunday school and was a lay reader in the congregation. He served numerous terms on the vestry and was elected senior warden three times. He also served on the board of The Educational Center of the Episcopal Church. Russ and his wife retired to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in 1987. He was an avid tennis player and golfer. Woodcarving became a passion for him, and he spent hours carving detailed and lifelike shore birds. Russ was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, serving as an usher there for many years. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Inurnment will be in the memorial garden at St. Luke's Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 50 pope Avenue, Hilton Head island, S.C. 29928. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.