Alton David Shields Sr.

Alton David Shields Sr., affectionately known as David or Frank, was born on August 4, 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Alma T. and Buster T. Shields. He departed this life on Wednesday, September 26, 2025, surrounded by love and family.

David was preceded in death by his father, Buster T. Shields; mother, Alma T. Taylor; and stepfather, George Taylor, a devoted deacon at the Church of the Firstborn Saints, where David was baptized at an early age. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Susie G. (1993), Dorothy Logan (2000), Mary Glover (2001), and Paul Shields (2013), all of whom welcomed him to heaven with open arms.

He attended Arlington High School, where he graduated in 1972, and carried the values of hard work and dedication with him throughout his life. During his younger years, David played baseball through Douglas Little League, where he proudly served as a pitcher. His love for the game began there and remained with him throughout his life. One of the fond memories his son often recalls is watching David coach his own Little League team, the Giants, through the Douglas Little League, continuing the same passion he had as a player.

And if you knew David back in the 80's', you probably saw him running up and down the basketball court with his crosstown fellas - rocking his Jheri curl and Converse - giving everyone a good laugh and a good game. David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend whose presence brought warmth, laughter and strength to everyone who knew him.

In his early years, David was united in marriage and from that union two children were born, Anita Smith (Brian) and Alton David Shields Jr. (Aisha). He loved his children deeply and took great pride in the family they built together. One of Anita’s fondest memories is her 16th birthday, when her father completely redecorated her bedroom pink, a gesture that showed just how much he cared and paid attention to what made his children happy.

He later married Cynthia "Cindy" (McAllister) Shields on February 20, 2004, and together they shared a loving partnership through life’s joys. Through this union, he also embraced his blended family with love, including his stepson, Ethan McAllister (Sierra) and his stepdaughter, Emily Thomas (Andrew), along with their son, Nathan.

David was a proud grandfather to DeVonte Sharp, Nakeyah Shields, Alton David Shields III, Aniyah Alexander, Amare Shields, and Alivia Shields, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren who lit up his world, Honestii and Loyaltii Sharp, Kacey Brown, and Johnae Alexander.

He also leaves behind two beloved sisters, Diane Jefferson and Anita Newton and a brother, Anthony Garrett, who will forever cherish his memory and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

David was a hardworking man who took pride in his work and family. He retired from Von Duprin in May 2001 after years of dedicated service. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, often gathering for house parties, family hangouts, and card games, especially spades. David took great pride in his home and yard, keeping it spotless and perfectly manicured at all times. He was known for being a neat freak, and anyone who knew him could tell you, everything had its place, and he made sure it stayed that way.

Sports were a big part of David’s life, and so was giving the family something to laugh about. He cheered for the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, but the truth is, David’s loyalty followed whoever was winning that season. One thing he never changed, though, was his rule that no Colts or Pacers game should ever be on his TV.

A Heartfelt Farewell - If you knew David, or Frank, you already know he did life his way. He worked hard, played harder, and somehow managed to keep that yard looking better than anyone else’s on the block. He could talk a little trash in spades, make you laugh until you cried, and still send you home with advice that would stick with you for years.

He loved his people, plain and simple. He didn’t need the spotlight; just good company, good food, and maybe a game on TV (as long as it wasn’t the Colts or Pacers). He had a heart that ran deep, a sense of humor that never quit, and a way of making every moment matter. David’s story doesn’t end here. It keeps going in the people who loved him, in the laughter, the lessons, and all the “remember when” moments he left behind.

He will be remembered fondly by a host of extended family and friends who will continue to honor his legacy with love and remembrance