Andrew Donovan Shields

Andrew Donovan Shields, age 23, passed away May 28, 2009, at Olathe Medical Center after a massive stroke. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at Center of Grace, 520 S. Harrison St., Olathe, followed by a celebration of his life on Wednesday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S. Ridgeview Road, Olathe, Kan. Memorials are suggested to the American Stroke Association or to the family for a memorial in Andy's honor to be established at a later date. Andy was born August 29, 1985, in Overland Park, Kan. He graduated from Olathe North High School in 2003, and was always active in soccer, tennis and baseball. He also participated in marching band. Andy earned his Eagle Scout award through Troop 494. Andy attended William Jewel College and was to graduate with a degree in international business. He traveled abroad and studied in Freiburg, Germany. He enjoyed learning many languages, including German, French, Italian and Russian. Andy was part of the percussion section in the William Jewel Band, but his true love was playing soccer. Andy was the starting goalie for the 2006 W.J. H.A.A.C. Champions and the NAIA National Final Four Team. He was best known for his incredible saves during the W.J. shootout victories at the 2006 National Tournament. He was named to the NAIA 2006 All-Tournament Team, among many honors. Andy was an alumni of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. While in high school, he life guarded at the YMCA and Oregon Trail Pool. Andy was currently employed at Texas Roadhouse in Liberty, Mo., where he was part of the incredible team of people bartending and managing. He had just accepted a promotion and was looking forward to moving to Stillwater, Okla. He enjoyed the TRH line-dances while he was working. He is preceded in death by his father, Casey K. Shields, and grandfathers Roland Dalrymple and Harold Shields. He is survived by his mother, Linda Schoonover, and brother, Brian Shields, his stepfather Richard Schoonover, and stepbrothers Andrew, Ryan, Matt and Brad. He is also survived by his grandmothers Ann Dalrymple and Ilse Shields, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. His family wishes to thank Dr. McKnight and the wonderful nurses in the CCU Unit at Olathe Medical Center who cared for Andy with such love and compassion. The family would also like to thank the brothers from Lambda Chi fraternity, the Texas Roadhouse Family, and the William Jewel Soccer Team members, and especially Kari Kiger and Jenni Hanson for their support during this difficult time. Andy loved being part of your life. Andy had made the decision to be an organ donor, and his wishes were honored. This act was reflective of Andy's spirit of giving to others, and his heartfelt desire to help whenever needed. No matter what you called him; Andy, Andrew, 2, Cowboy, Shields, Shieldsy, or Roo . . he will be missed but never forgotten. (Arrangements: Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.penwellgabel.com.)