Kenneth Wolford Shields

Kenneth Wolford Shields, known affectionately as "Pawpaw," passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on September 4, 2024, in North Richland Hills, Texas at the age of 92. 

Born on August 24, 1932, Kenneth lived a life marked by determination and vigor. A decorated Korean War veteran, an undefeated professional boxer, a pilot, a master in engineering and construction with an impressive career spanning 63 years. He was a cancer survivor… and not even 3 heart attacks ever slowed him down for a second. Kenneth's strong and confident nature was complemented by his sense of humor and endlessly amplified by his obsession with obscene amounts of coffee, which made him a larger-than-life figure to everyone around him. 

Kenneth was a devout member of the Smithfield Church of Christ, where he found great solace and community. He loved to hunt, fish, the outdoors, playing with his grandchildren, dancing with his wife to country songs in the living room, and endlessly watching reruns of old westerns at full volume, which brought him much joy throughout his life. He also loved to cook… although most of the time it ended with a house full of smoke alarms blaring… and he never once met a cup towel he didn’t set on fire. He was a provider and a protector in every sense of the word. Truly a giant among men. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, “Max”ene Shields, his daughters Joanie Pizzaro, Terri Carlene George, Debbie Franklin, Kimberley Gammill and Nancy Blaine; sons Paul Shields, Charles Franklin, Randy Shields, and Roger George. Kenneth was a proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather to many who love their Pawpaw endlessly. He was preceded in death by his dear brother, Joe Shields. 

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation and a celebration of life ceremony at Alpine Funeral Home located at 2300 N. Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76111 on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024. A visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. followed by the Funeral Service at 11:15 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. after which loved ones are invited to stay for an additional opportunity to view him until 12:4 P.M. 

If anyone would like to share a special moment, memory, a laugh, a story, or just say their goodbyes: the family welcomes you to do so and will give the opportunity for anyone whom feels led to share. 

Guests will depart at 12:45 pm for his military service where he will be laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211. Guest will line up starting at 1:45 P.M. 

 If you would like, contributions can be made in Kenneth’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, which can be accessed at Wounded Warrior Project Donations

Alpine Funeral Services in Fort Worth, Texas, is assisting the family during this time. Kenneth's unique soul and indomitable spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew him.