Donald Kenneth Shields

Donald Kenneth Shields, lovingly known as Don, peacefully departed this life on December 7, 2025, in Heath, Texas, at the age of 79. Don was born on August 20, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Joseph Richard Shields and Ruth Marie Stanton.

Don grew up near Chicago and, after graduating from high school, proudly served in the United States Army. He went on to build a successful career in sales and management within the food industry. A natural leader with a warm, magnetic personality, Don was respected by colleagues and adored by all who knew him.

For more than two decades, Don shared his life with his beloved partner of 21 years, Maureen Rosenkranz. He fulfilled a long-held dream, when in 2018, they retired to Texas to enjoy a warmer climate and a new chapter together. Even in retirement, Don continued working part-time, sharing his love of new homes and helping others achieve dreams of their own.

He was the cherished father of Tracey Elliott (Michael) and Lisa Hall (Jeremiah); the proud grandfather of Lia and Zachary Elliott, and Jeremiah Jr. (fiancée Ploy), Madeline and Claire Hall. He also embraced Maureen's children as his own: son Kyle Rosenkranz and daughter Shnea Biggins (William); grandchildren Evan, Aidan and Declan Biggins along with granddog Zelda. Don is the brother of his twin sister, Diane Hatak, uncle to Ruth Phillips (Mark) and the late Joseph Hatak, and cousin to many beloved.

Don enjoyed a full and meaningful life. He shared many fond childhood memories of spending summers in Michigan with his aunt, uncle and cousins on their farm. In his adult years, he loved volunteering with local civic organizations, spending time on the golf course and boating on sunny days. Nothing brought him more joy than being with family and friends. He coached his daughters' sports teams, encouraged their friends as if they were his own and created a home where everyone felt welcome.

Guided by deep faith, Don approached life's challenges with optimism and grace, always believing God would provide the path forward. He will be remembered for his kindness, positivity, sense of humor and the genuine support he offered to others. A man of great conversation and even greater heart. Don had a gift for uplifting those around him. He loved sharing Irish blessings, inspirational quotes and scripture, leaving many with words that stayed long after he spoke to them.

Above all, Don was immensely proud of the love of his life, Maureen, and of his family and friends who brought so much purpose to his days.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, 2:00pm, at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, TX 75087. The service will be live-streamed for out-of-town loved ones: Click Here for Live Stream. A reception and time for fellowship will take place immediately following the service at Rest Haven Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Unified Care Hospice of Dallas, Texas, whose extraordinary compassion and care brought great comfort to Don and his family: Donate